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Audi Presents DTM Driver Line-Up In Geneva
Audi presents its driver teams for the DTM 2013 at the International Motor Show in Geneva on Tuesday. Timo Scheider confronts extreme challenges away from the race track. The World Endurance Champions Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer visited exhaust manufacturer Akrapovic.
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Audi presents DTM driver line-up in Geneva
Audi presents the driver line-up and racecar for the DTM 2013 this coming Tuesday from 16:30 during a press conference at the Geneva Motor Show. In addition to the eight DTM drivers, the defending FIA Endurance World Champions Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer are also guests on the Audi stand in Hall 1.
Extreme challenges for Timo Scheider
Audi factory driver Timo Scheider loves extreme challenges: on Saturday evening, the two-time DTM Champion ventured onto the luge track in Oberhof during the Wok World Championship staged by German television station ProSieben. He finished fifth in the four-man Wok of team ‘Germany 2’ headed by TV presenter ‘Elton’. “Unfortunately, we could practice only once before the first run due to the track conditions, otherwise we would certainly have finished higher up,” says Scheider. “But it wasonce again a cool event, which was great fun.” The challenge for the Audi driver will be even greater this coming Saturday: Scheider contests the extreme charity race ‘Braveheart Battle Run’ in Münnerstadt, during which the teams must complete the 26-kilometer course comprised of natural and artificial obstacles. “To reach the finish there is considered a success,” muses the DTM star.
Le Mans winners visit Akrapovic factory
Marcel Fässler, André Lotterer and Benoît Tréluyer were guests of an Audi Sport partner on Monday. The three Le Mans winners and World Endurance Champions visited the cutting-edge research and manufacturing site of exhaust system producer Akrapovic in Ivancna Gorica, Slovenia. The Audi factory drivers met the company’s management, signed autographs for the employees and answered the questions of local media.
André Lotterer drives dream car of his childhood
For André Lotterer, a childhood dream came true. The UK special interest magazine Octane invited the Audi factory driver and winner of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in cooperation with Audi Tradition to a special test. As a teenager, Lotterer was fascinated by the Audi Sport quattro S1. Last December, he had the opportunity to try out the 476-hp Group B rally car on an original special stage of the San Remo Rally. The story will appear in the April issue of the magazine which is available from February 27.
Marcel Fässler visits exhibition in Freiburg
Audi factory driver Marcel Fässler was a popular guest at the ‘Automobil 2013’ exhibition in Freiburg. The Le Mans winner of the last two years gave interviews and signed autographs on the stand of Audi partner Baden-Auto GmbH.
Audi R8 LMS ultra for PK Carsport
PK Carsport has reemerged after a three year break: the successful Belgian sportscar team contests the BRCC Endurance Championship in Belgium with an Audi R8 LMS ultra in the 2013 season – and with the drivers with whom the Limburg based team celebrated its greatest victories in the past: Anthony Kumpen and Bert Longin. The experienced Belgians are supported by their fellow countryman Maarten Makelberge.
A word from ... Adrien Tambay
Now, looking back on your first DTM season after some time has passed, what is your personal assessment?
I had a tough start because IÂ’d only been nominated by Audi for the DTM very shortly before the first race in 2012. ThatÂ’s why I wasnÂ’t perfectly prepared for this task. But during the course of the season I managed to consistently improve. Second place in the team competition in Munich together with Timo Scheider, my first points finish in the race at Zandvoort and my first podium result at Valencia were true highlights. So, on the whole, IÂ’m pretty happy with my first year in the DTM.
How did you use the winter break?
Actually, I’m an avid skier but this winter I chose not to do any winter sports. I’m still at the beginning of what’ll hopefully turn into a long career with Audi. It wouldn’t be very smart to risk this by taking the chance of suffering an injury. However, I did use the opportunity of running in the French ice racing series “Trophée Andros Electrique” on a few occasions. That allowed me to stay in the race rhythm a bit and I continued to train myself in terms of vehicle control. But, obviously, I also used this time to relax and gather new strength.
Next Tuesday, Audi will be presenting its team and your car for the 2013 DTM in Geneva – a signal showing that the new season is soon to start?
Yes – and that’s good because the winter break has actually been too long for me. The Audi winter camp in Ofterschwang that just ended and the team presentation that’s now coming up in Geneva are the first harbingers of the new season. The suspense and excitement are gradually rising. I’m certainly happy that we’re finally getting started again.
What are you expecting of yourself in the 2013 season?
ItÂ’s always difficult to make predictions because before the first race nobody knows exactly how to assess their own performance. But my aim is to be competitive again this year right from the first race on. My second place at Valencia in 2012 awakened expectations in my mind too. IÂ’m very much hoping to be able to continue achieving further podium places this season.
The 2013 DTM may be introducing “DRS,” a system to flatten the angle of the rear wing flap known from Formula 1 for even better overtaking. What do you think of this?
As a racer, IÂ’m happy about anything that gives us better opportunities for overtaking. If the system works well itÂ’s no doubt a great idea. IÂ’m also sure that the fans at the race track and in front of their TVs will be delighted to see even more on-track action.
Coming up next week
05/03 Audi Sport press conference in Geneva (CH)
PaddockTalk Perspective
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