Official DTM tests at Valencia
DTM: Eleven weeks from now, the new DTM season will start at the
Hockenheimring. Before the first race and the presentation in Wiesbaden
on April 18, the official DTM test days are scheduled from March 24 to 27
at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo in Valencia
(Spain). Audi plans to test with the complete 2010 DTM squad.
New signings complete first R15 TDI test
Le Mans: During several days of testing at Sebring (USA) Audi's new
signings Marcel Fassler, Andre Lotterer and Benoit Treluyer had the
opportunity to reel off their first test kilometers in the Audi R15 TDI.
The car used at Sebring was an interim model. The roll-out of the
2010-spec Le Mans vehicle bearing the internal designation "R15 plus" is
scheduled for the end of February/beginning of March.
Lucas Luhr will be reserve driver for Le Mans
Le Mans: Aud has nominated Audi "factory" driver Lucas Luhr as a reserve
driver for the 24 Hours of Le Mans (France). The winner of the 2008
American Le Mans Series will be more extensively involved in Audi's GT3
project this year. At Sebring, he ran tests in the endurance version of
the Audi R8 LMS that will be used by several customer teams in the
24-hour race at the Nurburgring.
Two private Audi R10 TDI cars at Le Mans
Le Mans: A total of five Audi prototypes will compete in the 24-hour race
at Le Mans on June 12/13. The private Kolles team had their two entries
accepted and, like last year, will field two Audi R10 TDI cars. In
addition, the private German team has entered the entire 2010 Le Mans
Series.
Marco Werner in the Audi R8 LMS
Customer sport: Although his "factory" contract has expired, Marco Werner
will continue to be associated with the Audi brand and the Volkswagen
Group -- in the form of racing commitments in the Audi R8 LMS, among
others. Werner, who is now 43, contested his first race for Audi at Le
Mans in 2002 and has won the 24-hour race a total of three times. In
addition, he clinched three titles in the LMP1 class of the American Le
Mans Series and victories in the 12-hour race at Sebring (USA) and the
"Petit Le Mans" race at Road Atlanta (USA) for Audi.
Mike Rockenfeller wins at Daytona
GrandAm: Successful start of the season for Audi "factory" driver Mike
Rockenfeller: The 26-year-old received approval from Audi Sport to
compete in the 24-hour race at Daytona Beach (USA) in a Porsche-Riley and
won the American endurance classic together with Joao Barbosa, Terry
Borcheller and Ryan Dalziel. From Daytona, "Rocky" directly traveled to
Sebring for tests with the Audi R15 TDI.
Ekstrom and Scheider at the "Hahnenkamm"
DTM: The two Audi "factory" drivers Mattias Ekstrom and Timo Scheider
were among the many prominent guests attending the famous Hahnenkamm ski
race in Kitzbuhel (Austria) and the "Audi Night" which kicked off the
legendary winter sport event for the ninth time.
DTM Champion officially opened Audi Center
DTM: In mid-January, the new Audi Center Mainz was officially opened. It
is one of the first Audi Centers in Germany to implement Audi AG's new
terminal concept. DTM Champion Timo Scheider was one of the guests at the
official opening ceremony.
Timo Scheider at "ball of sport"
DTM: Audi "factory" driver Timo Scheider and his partner Jasmin Rubatto
were among the guests at the "ball of sport" that celebrated its 40th
anniversary on Saturday night at Wiesbaden's Rhein-Main Halls. On April
18, Wiesbaden will also be the venue of the official DTM presentation for
the first time. Scheider arrived at the "ball of sport" with an Audi R8
Safety Car from the DTM.
Tom Kristensen in rehabilitation
Le Mans: At the beginning of January, Tom Kristensen tore the heel tendon
of his left leg while playing badminton. The Le Mans record winner
underwent surgery and has started an extensive rehabilitation program
under the supervision of Audi Sport's team physician Dr. Christian John
in order to be fit in time for the start of the season. The Dane will
also participate in the traditional Audi winter camp in Ofterschwang.
-source: audi
