Hand shares a laugh with new DTM teammate Augusto Farfus while testing in Spain last month - Photo Credit: BMW AG

American driver Joey Hand will compete in the DTM next year for BMW. The move to Europe comes after the 32-year-old won the American Le Mans Series crown in the GTE class for BMW this season.

Hand is the fifth driver to be announced in BMW’s six-car lineup for its DTM return in 2012. He joins long term BMW pilots Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx, as well as top DTM racers Bruno Spengler and Martin Tomczyk, who switch from Mercedes and Audi. Hand tested the BMW M3 DTM in Monteblanco in Spain in mid-November.

As well as his ALMS success in 2011, Hand also won the Daytona 24 Hours in a BMW-powered Riley and made his Le Mans 24 Hours debut, scoring a podium in the GTE-Pro class. After competing in karting and later the Atlantic Championship in North America, Hand began his BMW association in 2004 when he raced in Formula BMW USA as well as the GT class of Grand-Am.

“I am really looking forward to my new challenge in the DTM, and thank BMW sincerely for the company’s confidence in me,” said Hand.

“I immediately enjoyed the BMW M3 DTM. Its downforce and carbon brakes are extremely impressive. I know some of the team members from the past, and was able to acquaint myself with the others in Monteblanco. Now I am looking forward to our close teamwork in future.”

BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt added: “Joey has been a member of the BMW family for many years, and we are extremely pleased that he will now form part of our DTM project.

“His past successes have impressively underscored his skills set, and during the test in Monteblanco with the BMW M3 DTM he immediately proved to be very fast. We are convinced the addition of Joey to our line-up will substantially strengthen our project. In addition, his character fits into our team perfectly.”

Bruno Spengler in the BMW M3 DTM (Photo Credit: BMW AG)

After completing a switch from Mercedes to new entries BMW for 2012 Bruno Spengler is a man prepared for a tough season as part of the team bringing the manufacturer back to the series.

“Moving to BMW is a new challenge for me,” says the Canadian. “To be part of a project like this from the very beginning, and to work with a completely new team and one of the largest automobile brands in the world – that is very interesting and exciting for a racing driver like me. That was the main reason for my move. I also got on very well with BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt right from the word go. It is a real pleasure to see the motivation shown by everyone involved. I am looking forward to the future and am very proud to be representing BMW.”

A new rules formula for the 2012 season means new cars, not only for BMW, but for Audi and Mercedes, who are continuing their participation in the championship. As testing continues in preparation for the new season Spengler will join several of his new BMW teammates at the Monteblanco circuit in Spain – something he admits to being nervous about.

Spengler, who has narrowly lost out in the championship on several occasions is just one of the latest signings for what is becoming a star-studded BMW line-up. Former WTCC drivers Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx will move into the series after a season as part of BMW Motorsports’ endurance racing program.

Furthermore, after becoming the first man to win the DTM championship in an older-spec car this year Martin Tomczyk will become the de facto team leader among the BMW drivers. The move also brings together Spengler – who has only driven for Mercedes since he entered DTM and Tomczyk, who has driven exclusively for rivals Audi.

“Spengler confides; “If someone had told me at the start of last season that Martin and I would be driving for the same brand, I would scarcely have believed them. I really wouldn’t have expected that back then. However, I am pleased we are both driving for BMW now. We have known each other for years. I’ve been around since 2005, and Martin has been racing in the series for even longer. I was still driving Formula 3 when Martin was already a DTM driver. He has a wealth of experience and it is good to have him on our side. It does not make a huge difference to me, however. We will all be working together to push the team forward.”

“He is a very good driver, and reigning champion. With that in mind, I think we have a very good team. However, it is still much too early to judge just how good we will actually be. We have to work from test to test and gain as much experience as possible – then we will see.”

Spengler got his first taste of the car in testing at Monteblanco in Spain

Could BMW’s decision to bring in two of the DTM’s biggest names prove productive, especially in developing the M3 DTM over the coming winter.

“You have to have a certain rivalry,” Spengler says, “as that spurs you on. You must always try to optimise the car and the performance. To do this, everyone pushes themselves to the limit and finds new areas, in which they can improve. That is how you move forward, and move the team forward.”

Despite that statement and the experience on the growing team Spengler is wary of expectations growing too large, emphasising that, although testing has been ongoing for months the 2012 season will be the first year of the DTM program proper.

“The team still has little experience when it comes to pit stops and race strategies,” he explains. “These are all new things that play an important role. For that reason, we must first be well prepared before we can set ourselves the goal of winning the championship. It goes without saying, however, that we would like to finish as high up as possible straight away.”

“[However] as a racing driver and as a team you always want to win races as soon as possible. With that in mind, our goal is to challenge at the front of the field, finish on the podium, and start winning races as quickly as possible.”

Martin Tomczyk - Photo Credit: DTM.com

DTM champion Martin Tomczyk will race for BMW on the manufacturer’s return to the series in 2012, the marque has confirmed.

Bavarian driver Tomczyk won his first DTM title this year, in his eleventh campaign in the series. He had raced for Audi for the duration, but was actually dropped from the crack Abt squad ahead of the 2011 season. After his successful season behind the wheel of an older-spec car run by the Phoenix squad, he announced his departure from the brand on Monday.

29-year-old Tomczyk joins his title rival from this year Bruno Spengler in signing for BMW, alongside long-time factory drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus.

“Our squad of drivers is gradually firming up,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “With Martin Tomczyk we are proud to have gained an absolute top-notch driver for our DTM involvement.

“Despite being fairly young in the touring car context, he is one of the most experienced DTM drivers around: he’s consistently fast, of impeccable character and an out-and-out winner. In 2011 he was the first driver ever to win the DTM championship in an older spec car. We will do everything we can to consolidate this success with him in the future. Our target is to become competitive as quickly as possible, and from that point of view we see Martin as an extremely important asset.”

Tomczyk is due to test the BMW M3 DTM for the first time in Monteblanco in Spain on 6-8 December.

DTM cars race towards Druids

Track owners Motorsport Vision have announced a three year deal to host a round of the DTM championship at Brands Hatch.

The German-based tin top championship has visited the Kent track since 2006, and the new deal secures the round on the 1.2 mile Indy circuit through to 2014.

“We’re delighted DTM will continue to stage its only UK round at Brands Hatch for the foreseeable future,” said Jonathan Palmer. “The professionalism of the championship is outstanding, the cars spectacular to watch and the calibre of the drivers second to only F1. With the addition of BMW and new technical regulations designed to make the racing even better, it’s a very exciting time to partner DTM and we look forward to Brands Hatch’s DTM event being one of the highlights of our calendar for many years to come.”

The newly confirmed event becomes the third round of the 2012 season, scheduled for May 20.

The latest crop of DTM machinery lap the circuit some seven seconds faster than British Touring Cars, and 2012 will bring a new manufacturer – BMW – and new cars built to a new rules formula. Drivers include ex-F1 driver turned commentator David Coulthard alongside fellow Brit Gary Paffett. Multiple WTCC champion Andy Priaulx will also join the series for the 2012, the Channel Islander set to be one of BMW’s leading drivers.

They join the leading continental drivers of the series including Ralf Schumacher, 2011 champion Martin Tomczyk and past winners Mattias Ekstrom and Timo Scheider.

Bruno Spengler waved goodbye to Mercedes at the last round at Hockenheim - Photo Credit: DTM.com

BMW have confirmed that Bruno Spengler will drive for the marque in its DTM return season in 2012, bringing months of speculation to an end.

The French-Canadian makes the switch from Mercedes, who he had driven for since his DTM debut in 2005. From 74 starts he took nine wins, 11 pole positions and 12 fastest laps. He finished runner-up in both the 2006 and 2007 seasons, but never won the title for the three-pointed star.

In 2010 he led the standings going into the season finale in Shanghai, but ended up third after a disastrous weekend in China. A strong first half to 2011 also saw him lead the standings, but a poor run of form allowed Martin Tomczyk to win the title and Spengler again slipped to third by the season’s end.

“In recent weeks we have not only been developing the BMW M3 DTM, but have also been working on the driver line-up for our return to the DTM,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

“Outside our current line-up, Bruno Spengler was one of our top choices. Despite his youth he has a lot of DTM experience, which will greatly assist us during our development phase and on race weekends. For this reason, we did not hesitate when the opportunity to sign Bruno up arose. We have yet to decide which of our three teams he will drive for. That will be announced at a later stage.”

Spengler joins existing BMW factory drivers and ex-World Touring Car Championship pilots Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus as being confirmed in BMW’s roster for 2012.

Green crosses the finish line as the DTM's customary end-of-year fireworks commence - Photo Credit: dtm.com

Jamie Green took the last victory for the current set of DTM technical regulations in comfortable style at Hockenheim.

The Briton got the better of polesitter Miguel Molina on the run down to the first corner and went on to take an unchallenged victory, his first since Norising last year and the first for a Mercedes driver since Bruno Spengler won this year’s Norising race back in July.

“I feel very proud to have won this race which is also the final outing for the AMG Mercedes C-Class, the most successful car in DTM history,” said Green. “My car was perfect and I’m so pleased to have won here at Hockenheim for the second time.

“Now I can start the winter break on a high as a race winner this year. Many thanks to my team for all their work today and throughout the season. I’m looking forward to the new DTM era which starts in 2012.”

Molina also lost out to 2011 champion Martin Tomczyk on the opening lap, but the latter did not have the speed to match Green and finished seven seconds down the road.

“It was an outstanding race and a nice conclusion of the season, which I enjoyed very much,” he said. “I wasn’t able to completely keep up with Jamie’s pace, but that was secondary today.

“It was great to finish the year on the podium and to start into the winter break this way. My thanks go to everyone in Audi Sport Team Phoenix and at Audi who has supported me. It’s been a brilliant season.”

Molina secured his maiden podium finish in third, some way ahead of Mike Rockenfeller. Gary Paffett came home right behind Rockenfeller after passing Timo Scheider just after the German had completed his first stop, which came one lap later than Paffett’s.

Mattias Ekstrom also passed Scheider later in the race to finish sixth, with it securing the runner-up spot in the championship. He was able to overhaul Bruno Spengler after the Canadian fell to ninth on the opening lap of the race. Scheider and Oliver Jarvis came home in formation in front of Spengler.

Race results – 38 laps:

2011 DTM Champion Martin Tomczyk - Photo Credit: ITR

2011 DTM Champion Martin Tomcyk has become the latest driver to sign up for the 2011 Race of Champions, which will take place in his homeland Germany, at Düsseldorf’s ESPRIT arena

Tomczyk dominated the German touring car series this season; sealing the title a meeting early. The German took three wins and four other podiums in the first nine races to become the first driver to take the title in year-old machinery.

The ROC will see Tomczyk come up against DTM team-mate Mattias Ekstrom and triple WTCC champion Andy Priaulx, who is set to join DTM next year with BMW. Due to a clash of commitments, Tomczyk won’t take part in the ROC Nations Cup on December 3^rd, instead only appearing in the individual ROC event the next day.

Tomczyk said: “Only the world’s best racing drivers are invited to contest the Race Of Champions. So the fact that I have qualified to join this illustrious circle as DTM champion makes me rather proud. The permanent switching from one vehicle to another looks like one of the biggest challenges at the Race Of Champions. I’m really curious to find out how it will feel to race rally cars, open buggies and anything else that has got four wheels and is fun to drive.

“My friend and fellow Audi driver Mattias Ekström – who has won the Race Of Champions several times – told me that the ROC in Düsseldorf will be anything but a show event. Yes, the drivers are relaxed and have a lot of fun together. But from the moment when the top stars from Formula 1, World Rally Championship and all the other series put their helmets on the fun is over and we will be fighting for every single centimetre. I will definitely give my very best in the battle for the title ‘Champion of Champions’.”

Miguel Molina - Photo Credit: dtm.com

Miguel Molina claimed his second DTM pole position in the space of three races by coming out on top in qualifying for the season finale at Hockenheim.

After topping the Q3 session, the Spaniard was the last man to run in the decisive Q4 session. Neither Mike Rockenfeller nor Martin Tomczyk had managed to better HWA Mercedes driver Jamie Green’s effort after the Briton was the first of the quartet to go. Molina duly improved on Green’s benchmark by 0.203s to score his second DTM pole to add to the one he claimed at Oschersleben.

Behind the front row pair, recently-crowned champion Tomczyk will still be amongst the favourites for victory starting from third, with Rockenfeller in fourth.

Timo Scheider and Bruno Spengler will share the third row of the grid after failing to make it into Q4, with Brits Gary Paffett and Oliver Jarvis lining up on the fourth row and looking for strong finishes to difficult years for Mercedes and Audi respectively.

Filipe Albuquerque and Mattias Ekstrom – winner of the past two races – will start from ninth and tenth after being knocked out at the end of Q2 when Edoardo Mortara crashed as the checkered flag went out. The Italian driver will start 11^th, ahead of the Mercedes of Christian Vietoris, Ralf Schumacher and Renger van der Zande.

Maro Engel and David Coulthard will start off the penultimate row of the grid, with female racers Susie Wolff (nee Stoddart) and Rahel Frey bringing up the rear.

Qualifying results

Martin Tomczyk - Photo Credit: dtm.com

Newly-crowned DTM champion Martin Tomczyk laid down a marker for the final race weekend of the current generation of cars, by setting the pace in first free practice at Hockenheim. The session started an hour later than scheduled due to heavy fog at the circuit.

The older-spec Phoenix Audi driver knocked older-spec Persson Mercedes driver Christian Vietoris off top spot at the end of the session. Vietoris was relegated to third by the end of the session when another driver of an older Mercedes, Maro Engel, slotted into second place. The Mucke Motorsport driver was 0.168 seconds shy of Tomczyk’s time.

Mike Rockenfeller was the best of the drivers of current-spec machinery in fourth, ahead of Vietoris’ teammate Renger van der Zande and the Abt Audi duo of Mattias Ekstrom and Timo Scheider.

Filipe Albuquerque was eighth, ahead of a new name in the DTM. Susie Stoddart married Williams F1 shareholder Toto Wolff since the previous round at Valencia, and she finished her first session as Susie Wolff in ninth. Fellow Scot David Coulthard completed the top ten.

Bruno Spengler was the best of the HWA Mercedes quartet in 12^th just behind Edoardo Mortara. Spengler’s teammates Gary Paffett and Jamie Green were 15^th and 16^th, with Ralf Schumacher 18^th and last. The former Grand Prix winner was yesterday confirmed with Mercedes for 2012.

First free practice times:

Rene Rast listens to Andy Priaulx during testing at Lausitz - Photo Credit: BMW AG

BMW Motorsport has completed a three-day test at the Eurospeedway Laustiz ahead of its DTM return in 2012, where it gave three new drivers the chance to drive the M3 DTM alongside its regular works drivers.

Defending Porsche Supercup champion Rene Rast, last year’s Indy Lights champion Jean-Karl Vernay and newly-crowned German F3 winner Richie Stanaway all got time behind the wheel alongside BMW works drivers Augusto Farfus, Andy Priaulx, Jorg Muller and Dirk Werner.

“I really enjoyed the test,” said Rast. “It was a superb experience. I felt very comfortable in the team and learned a lot. In general I am happy with my performance. I think I did what was expected of me.

“The car is good-natured and fun to drive. The dynamics and powerful brakes, in particular, are a bit different to the cars I have driven in the past, but I was able to adapt quickly and keep pushing myself to the limit.”

Frenchman Vernay said: “It was great to be here and have the opportunity to test the BMW DTM car. It was my first real test in a touring car. The BMW M3 DTM is amazing, it has so much grip and downforce. I think that my lap times were okay, I was able to improve them as the test progressed. I had a great feeling for the car.”

New Zealander Stanaway added: “This test was a great experience for me. Ever since I was young I have always wanted to drive a DTM car. It was great to experience what it was like, to work in such a professional environment, and to see the way the team operates.

“The difference between a Formula car and a DTM car is quite big. It weighs nearly twice as much and the downforce level, the corner speed and the braking points are different to Formula 3. As such, I had to adjust my driving style a little bit. But I think that my performance was quite solid.”

So far only Farfus and Priaulx are the only confirmed drivers in BMW’s six-car lineup for 2012.

Filipe Albuquerque, Mattias Ekstrom, Martin Tomczyk and Hans-Jurgen Abt on the podium - Photo Credit: DTM.com

Martin Tomczyk has taken the 2011 DTM title after finishing third at Valencia in a race won by Mattias Ekstrom from pole position. Filipe Albuquerque finished in second as Audi picked up its third consecutive 1-2-3 finish.

Swede Ekstrom wasn’t touched during the race, and had built up an advantage of 18 seconds over fellow front-row starter Albuquerque by the time he took the checkered flag after 45 laps. Portuguese rookie Albuquerque enjoyed a similarly comfortable run to his best finish to date in his Rosberg-run older-spec Audi.

Tomczyk started the race down in 10^th on the grid, but was up to sixth by the end of the first lap. He was able to make up three further places during the second pit stops to secure third place, enough to put him out of reach of rival Bruno Spengler ahead of the season finale at Hockenheim.

The 29-year-old’s maiden title comes in his 11^th season in the DTM, and his first season after switching from a top-spec car with Abt to an older-spec car run by the Phoenix squad. Indeed, Tomczyk becomes the first driver of an older car to win the title.

Timo Scheider finished fourth after getting past older-spec Mercedes drivers Renger van der Zande and David Coulthard. The duo were both racing under appeal after failing post-qualifying checks, meaning they are not classified in the results unless the appeal is successful.

This means that the results show an Audi lockout of the top six, with home racer Miguel Molina and Oliver Jarvis next up. Spengler is classified as the top Mercedes in seventh, having started 12^th. He had been running behind HWA teammate Jamie Green until the Briton dropped back on the penultimate lap. Gary Paffett took the final point in eighth.

Race results – 45 laps:

Drivers’ standings after 9 of 10 rounds:
1. Martin Tomczyk, 64 points
2. Bruno Spengler, 51
3. Mattias Ekstrom, 49
4. Timo Scheider, 34
5. Mike Rockenfeller, 26
6. Jamie Green, 25

Mattias Ekstrom - Photo Credit: DTM.com

Mattias Ekstrom has taken pole position for the penultimate round of the DTM season at Valencia in Spain, continuing his strong recent run of form. Meanwhile title contenders Martin Tomczyk and Bruno Spengler could only manage 11^th and 13^th on the grid respectively.

The Swede, who has won two of the last three races, was the quickest driver in Q3, and was four tenths quicker than anyone else in the final Q4 shootout for pole.

The rest of Q4 was filled by some unusual names, with rookies Filipe Albuquerque and Renger van der Zande qualifying second and third respectively and David Coulthard taking fourth place and his best DTM qualifying result to date.

13 cars had been allowed through to Q3 after Edoardo Mortara spun into the gravel during Q2. Abt Audi quartet of Mike Rockenfeller, Miguel Molina, Timo Scheider and Oliver Jarvis failed to make it out of Q3 and filled positions five to eight. Completing the top ten were HWA Mercedes duo Gary Paffett and Ralf Schumacher.

Tomczyk and Spengler sandwiched Jamie Green as the slowest runners in Q3. Next up will be Mortara, with Maro Engel, Chrisitan Vietoris, Rahel Frey and Susie Stoddart being knocked out in the first session.

Qualifying results:

BMW M3 DTM (no. 9) - Photo Credit: BMW AG

BMW have successfully completed their latest test of the BMW M3 DTM car in preparation for its debut in 2012. Taking to the Hungaroring track in Hungary BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG focussed on tyre tests, general set-up work and long runs.

Triple WTCC champion Andy Priaulx was in action in the test session and he explained how crucial the testing is. “In this current phase every test is very important to us. The way the car and tyres interact is a particularly important factor in order to ensure we are competitive, and that was a key component of our test programme. With every test we have a better understanding of the car. We gained more important knowledge again here at the Hungaroring.”

Priaulx along with  regular team-mate Augusto Farfus have already been confirmed by BMW as drivers for 2012, Farfus was happy with the test and the positive sessions he’s been involved in. “It is a good sign that the cars are so reliable at such an early point in our preparations. We had another two productive days and once again learned a lot about the car.” said the Brazilian.

Fresh from being crowned American Le Mans champion Dirk Muller spoke of just how busy he is at the moment. “I am having a few very exciting weeks at the moment. After the first joint test at the Lausitzring, we were able to secure the ALMS title last weekend, and now I have just completed the most recent DTM tests.

“Next week I return to the ALMS for the season finale in Road Atlanta. However, I am very happy to accept the stress. It was great to be involved in the BMW DTM test programme again. I am developing greater trust in the BMW M3 DTM with every kilometre I drive in it. I already feel very comfortable in the car.”

Dirk Werner had his first taste of the BMW M3 DTM in Hungary and was very impressed, despite the differences between it and his usual car the BMW M3GT. “The car felt very good from the first moment,” said Werner. “We made good progress over the course of the day. I am looking forward to the next opportunity to do some more testing. First, though, I head to Road Atlanta where we can hopefully also win the manufacturers title for BMW.”

A total of 361 laps were completed on the first day of the test with a further 392 on the second day. Both days passed without any major problems.

Mattias Ekstrom crosses the line to take victory - Photo Credit: Audi Motorsport

Mattias Ekstrom scored a dominant DTM victory in wet conditions at Oschersleben, as Audi scored its second consecutive podium lockout. Martin Tomczyk finished second to extend his championship lead with Edoardo Mortara coming home third.

It was another Audi driver, Miguel Molina, who had taken a surprise pole position in qualifying on Saturday. He missed his braking point for the first corner at the start and ran wide, handing the lead to front row starter and championship contender Bruno Spengler.

As Molina rejoined the track at the apex of Turn 2 he made contact with teammate Timo Scheider (who had made a fast start from fifth on the grid into second), spinning the German around.

Ekstrom inherited second place and took the lead from Spengler on the eighth lap. The Swede took the checkered flag after 45 rain-soaked laps with a comfortable margin of 42 seconds.

“I had a fantastic race,” said a jubilant Ekstrom. “Crossing the finish line in the DTM as the winner with a more than 40-second advantage is definitely a world of difference. I didn’t even know who came second behind me. I’m very happy that it was Martin.

“But I’m even happier that in the team and with Audi Sport we’ve come up with ways of working together even better and continuing our successful days. Knowing this, it’s really fun going into the last two races, and then starting into the winter break.”

Spengler had been set for second but developed suspension problems which first dropped him down the order with a lengthy pitstop before eventually retiring three laps from the finish.

“It was just bad luck – nothing you can do,” said the Canadian. “Unfortunately, something suddenly went wrong with the front of the car, and then it wasn’t as drivable as at the start. We don’t yet know exactly what the problem was.

“I tried to keep going, because there still might have been a chance of securing some points, but I had to retire. It’s unfortunate, but it’s not the end of the world. There are still two races to go and we’re certainly not about to give up. There’s still plenty to fight for.”

Tomczyk had started down in 14^th after a disaster of a qualifying session, but sensationally moved up to sixth on the opening laps. Despite his front bonnet flying off after just 18 laps, the Bavarian inherited second when Spengler hit trouble. He then lost position to Mortara after locking up under breaking, but took the place back after the pitstops, extending his points lead to nine points over Spengler.

“For me, clearly, the story of the day is the one that happened on the first lap,” said Tomczyk. “Recovering eight positions in such difficult conditions and to then even advance to second place is anything but easy. A little luck was involved too. After the poor qualifying session my team and I had a perfect Sunday. We’re now leading the championship with a nine-point advantage. That doesn’t mean anything except that we’ll be tackling the next races the same way we did the last ones: with determination and concentration.”

Rookie Mortara repeated his result from the last race at Brands Hatch by finishing third. Gary Paffett and Christian Vietoris came through from the last row of the grid, after engine problems in qualifying and a grid penalty respectively, to finish fourth and fifth as the top Mercedes.

“I’m very satisfied with fourth place considering that I started from 18th position,” said Paffett. “Before the race, I hadn’t expected to be the best-placed C-Class driver. The conditions were very difficult, just like at Brands Hatch, and the race was very chaotic at times, which helped me to make good so many places. The car’s performance was also excellent. If I hadn’t spun on the first turn, I could possibly have come home before Martin Tomczyk.”

Gary Paffett stormed from the back row of the grid to finish fourth as the best Mercedes. Photo Credit: Daimler AG

Vietoris was delighted with his best ever result so far in his maiden DTM season, and maintains a strong run of form from the German who won two GP2 races from the final two race weekends.

“I’ve finally achieved my first points in the DTM,” he said. “My team did a super job – they were faultless. We’ve had the speed plenty of times before, but today we were able to convert that into points. The rain suited me, because I like driving in challenging conditions. Now I’m hoping to rack up some more points in the last couple of races.”

Mike Rockenfeller finished sixth, just ahead of Maro Engel. Molina recovered to pick up one point in eighth.

The ninth and penultimate round of the season takes place at Valencia’s Ricardo Tormo Circuit on 2^nd October.

Race results – 45 laps:

Drivers’ standings after 8 of 10 rounds:
1. Martin Tomczyk, 58 points
2. Bruno Spengler, 49
3. Mattias Ekstrom, 39
4. Timo Scheider, 29
5. Mike Rockenfeller, 26
6. Jamie Green, 25

Miguel Molina - Photo Credit: DTM.com

Miguel Molina took a shock first pole position in the DTM by beating championship contender Bruno Spengler by just one thousandth of a second in qualifying at Oschersleben.

The Spaniard, who is yet to score a point in this his sophomore year in the series, was second fastest in Q3 behind Spengler and ahead of Abt Audi teammates Oliver Jarvis and Mattias Ekstrom.

Running in reverse order in the one-lap Q4, Ekstrom was beaten by Jarvis who was in turn bettered by Molina. Spengler ran last but missed out on Molina’s time by just 0.001 seconds.

Timo Scheider and Jamie Green will share the third row after failing to make it through to Q4, ahead of Ralf Schumacher and Edoardo Mortara.

Maro Engel took ninth as the quickest man to be knocked out in Q2. He was just ahead of Mike Rockenfeller and Filipe Albuquerque, who had been quickest in both free practice sessions. Mercedes trio David Coulthard, Christian Vietoris and Renger van der Zande filled positions 12 to 14.

Championship leader Martin Tomczyk had a disaster of a session and failed to make it out of Q1 in 15^th. He was joined on the sidelines early on by Gary Paffett, who failed to complete a flying lap due to engine problems in his Mercedes.

Qualifying times:

The No. 3 BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M3 DTM - Photo Credit: BMW AG

BMW Motorsport completed two successful days of testing at the Lausitzring on Monday and Tuesday with three of its new BMW M3 DTM cars.

All three of the teams that will be part of BMW’s DTM return in 2012 – BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG – were present at the test running one car each. Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus, the two drivers so far confirmed by the marque for next year, were on driving duties together with fellow BMW works drivers Dirk Muller and Jorg Muller.

The Lausitzring test was the first joint test for BMW, Audi and Mercedes, with the latter two having unveiled their cars this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

“We can look back positively on the test at the Lausitzring,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Our four drivers got a lot of kilometres under their belts at the Lausitzring and collected a lot of data. It was interesting to test together with our rivals for the first time, although it is still too early to make any real comparisons between the manufacturers.

“Congratulations to Audi and Mercedes-Benz. They will also be lining up with really beautiful and impressive cars. I think the fans can look forward to a great season with the BMW M3 DTM, the Audi A5 DTM and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.”

The two Mullers got behind the wheel of the car for the first time. Both have extensive experience in touring cars with BMW, but said that the DTM car was somewhat different to what they had raced before.

“Monday’s test was great fun,” said Dirk. “It reminded me of my time in single-seater racing. The BMW M3 DTM also generates a lot of downforce. I felt comfortable with the car from the word go.”

Jorg added: “As a driver, you obviously have to get used to a car like this. The BMW M3 DTM is very responsive and is unbelievably good turning into corners. You can feel the immense downforce in the fast corners. We spent a lot of time on the track on Tuesday and learned a lot.”

The next test for the car is scheduled at the Hungaroring on 21/22 September, where GT regular Dirk Wernerwill join Priaulx, Farfus and Dirk Muller.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe road car launched this summer, it is built around a new spec safety cell which will be identical for all of the DTM cars under the new technical regulations for next year.

Schumacher and Rosberg unveiled the car alongside Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management at Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Division, and Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.

“This new-generation vehicle, based on our Mercedes-Benz C- Coupe, signals the introduction of an even more spectacular racing car from the start of 2012,” said Haug. “I am certain that the spectators will get their money’s worth from the three-way fight between Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM next year.”

Driver Gary Paffett said: “The first test of a new car is always an exciting moment. After getting a feel for the handling and performance of the DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupe around the Lausitzring, I can say I’m very pleased with it. Of course, we still have a lot of development work ahead of us before the 2012 season opener at Hockenheim.

“The driving experience is quite different to that of previous DTM cars. The new Hankook tyres for 2012 are wider and have taller sidewalls, providing more mechanical grip. Also, the gear lever has disappeared for 2012 – we will change gear using paddles on the steering wheel instead – and that’s something I’m already used to from Formula One.”

Photo: Daimler AG

The body sits upon a spec chassis, one of more than 50 components that will be identical for all DTM cars. A combination of a carbonfibre monocoque and steel cage creates an improved safety standard.

“Due to these shared components it was possible to achieve the cost reduction target of up to 40 percent without compromising on the safety and attractiveness of the DTM vehicles,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

The car also includes a larger fuel tank with a capacity of 120 litres which will allow current DTM races to be covered without a refuelling stop, while a quick refuelling system is in development for longer races.

The regulations allow for less additional aerodynamic parts at the rear of the car, like on the current A4 DTM. This not only creates a stronger resemblance between the race car and its production model, but also make the cars less sensitive to contact.

“In the past, Audi has had very innovative solutions particularly in the area of aerodynamics in the DTM,” said Dr. Martin Muhlmeier, Head of Engineering at Audi Sport. “Since these areas have been subjected to severe restrictions good detailed solutions will now be crucial to achieving advantages over the competition.”

Testing of the car has already begun, while engineers have until the scheduled homologation date of 1 March 2012 to make adjustments.

Photo: Audi Motorsport

Polesitter Mike Rockenfeller made a decent start to retain the lead, while Mattias Ekstrom flew from fifth on the grid around the outside of Paddock Hill Bend to take second place from Gary Paffett.

Tomczyk had fallen from third on the grid to fifth at the start, but when Edoardo Mortara passed Paffett ahead of him, Tomczyk followed the Italian through into fourth and then passed Mortara for third.

Tomczyk went on to take second from Ekstrom at Clearways before passing Rockenfeller at the same point to take the lead on lap ten. Ekstrom passed Rockenfeller for second a few laps later and chased after Tomczyk but the German held on to win when the race hit its time limit after 88 laps of the Indy circuit.

Mortara followed Ekstrom passed Rockenfeller to take third place and he held on to take his maiden podium finish in the DTM, completing a 1-2-3 finish for Audi.

Rockenfeller continued to fall backwards and was spun around by Ralf Schumacher at Surtees. As Paffett and Schumacher took fourth and fifth places as the top Mercedes drivers, Rockenfeller held onto sixth place under pressure from Bruno Spengler.

Jamie Green recovered to finish eighth after a couple of dramas. He fell back from fourth on the grid with a poor start and then ran wide through the gravel at Paddock Hill before spinning at Clearways and slipping back to 12^th. He claimed the final point though after taking eighth from Oliver Jarvis at the end.

Tomczyk’s victory moves him one point ahead of Spengler, while a non-score for Timo Scheider leaves the two-time champion 21 points adrift in third place. Three rounds remain, with the next race being at Oschersleben in two weeks’ time.

Race results – 88 laps:

Drivers’ standings after 7 of 10 rounds:

1. Martin Tomczyk, 50pts
2. Bruno Spengler, 49
3. Timo Scheider, 29
4. Mattias Ekstrom, 29
5. Jamie Green, 25
6. Mike Rockenfeller, 23

A crash for Filipe Albuquerque at Druids in Q1 saw the red flags come out and the other 17 drivers proceed to Q2. The biggest name not to finish that second session in the top eight and proceed to Q3 was Timo Scheider, who could only manage 12^th. He was joined on the sidelines for the remainder of the session by local drivers Oliver Jarvis, David Coulthard and Susie Stoddart who were 14^th, 16^th and 17^th respectively.

Jamie Green was the fastest man in Q3, which decides the four drivers that go through to the one-lap shootout for pole position. Joining him in Q4 were Martin Tomczyk, Rockenfeller and Gary Paffett.

Missing out in fifth was Mattias Ekstrom, while championship leader Bruno Spengler could only manage sixth. To make matters worse for the Canadian he had already picked up a two-place grid penalty for using unmarked tyres in practice. This will promote Ralf Schumacher and Miguel Molina into sixth and seventh on the grid.

Paffett was first to run in Q4, but his time was bettered by 0.198s by Rockenfeller who was next up. Tomczyk was the third man to run but fell 0.009s shy of Paffett. Green then missed Rockenfeller’s time by 0.255s, leaving him to settle for fourth and Rockenfeller celebrated pole for Audi.

Qualifying result:

Schumacher was just 0.009 seconds ahead of Paffett, with Green only 0.013s adrift of the former Grand Prix winner.

Mike Rockenfeller was the top Audi, and was himself only 0.002s away from Green’s time around the short Indy layout. Filipe Albuquerque was the best of the older-spec cars in fifth, within a tenth of Schumacher’s benchmark.

Martin Tomczyk was sixth, just ahead of the man he is trying to catch in the points, Bruno Spengler. The Canadian has been found guilty of using an unmarked tyre in practice and has been docked two positions on the grid. Christian Vietoris was eighth, with Friday’s pacesetter Miguel Molina and Timo Scheider rounding out the top ten.

Free practice 2 times:

The young Spaniard lapped the Kent venue’s short Indy circuit in 42.776 seconds. He was only 0.036s ahead of fellow 2008-spec Audi driver Edoardo Mortara. Mucke Mercedes teammates Maro Engel and David Coulthard were third and fourth respectively, both within a tenth of a second of Molina’s benchmark time.

Mike Rockenfeller was the best of the latest-spec cars in fifth, closely followed by fellow Abt Audi driver Timo Scheider. Ralf Schumacher was the best of the crack HWA Mercedes squad’s quartet of drivers in seventh.

Schumacher shaded older-spec Mercedes driver Christian Vietoris, who arrived in the UK fresh from pole position and victory in GP2 at Spa-Francorchamps last Saturday, by just eight thousandths of a second.

Mattias Ekstrom, winner last time out at the Nurburgring, was ninth for Audi ahead of Renger van der Zande. Gary Paffett began his home race weekend in 11^th place, one place ahead of Mercedes teammate and championship leader Bruno Spengler.

Filipe Albuquerque was next up in his Audi, ahead of another local star Jamie Green. Title contender Martin Tomczyk could not reproduce the pace of his fellow older-spec Audi drivers, ending up a lowly 15^th.

The final two British drivers Oliver Jarvis and Susie Stoddart were 16^th and 17^th, with Rahel Frey propping up the timesheets, albeit less than 0.8s away from Molina.

The cars will return to the track for second free practice on Saturday morning from 9.00 until 10.30. The qualifying session will commence at 14:10.

Free practice 1 times:

Lloyd, the only Brit in the DTM-supporting championship, is hoping for plenty of home support as he aims to close the 47 point deficit he has to current series leader Mateusz Lisowski. The Huddersfield driver will have a 75-strong group of sponsors, guests and family cheering him on as he looks for victory in Round seven of the 10 race series.

19 year old Lloyd, who has taken one win and two other podiums so far in his first season of racing in Europe, commented: “I’m really looking forward to the weekend, it’s fantastic to be back racing at home. I want to go out there and win, that’s my focus for the rest of the season – just try and win every race as the points gap to Mateusz is quite big. I’m preparing as hard as I can, in the gym and with the guys at iZone Performance, to make sure I’m on top form for my home race.

“There will be a lot of pressure on at Brands and loads to do out of the car as well as we’ll have 75 guests there on raceday. I’m determined to try and have our best weekend yet as without the amazing support of my sponsors – especially Andy Goddard at TNT Post, Chris Brooks at TSD, Justin from The Print Academy and the guys from Balreed and Propack – I wouldn’t be racing at all.”

At the beginning of the season, Lloyd, who made a guest appearance in the BTCC in 2010 and previously competing in the Renault Clio Cup UK, made the tough choice to move into the Scirocco Cup, but he’s happy he made the move, adding: “The Scirocco is a great car, I’m having a fantastic time this season racing it and one of the best and most important things is that all of the cars are exactly the same. There are loads of one-make championships out there but this one really is down to your own performance and ability. The guys at Volkswagen Motorsport do an amazing job, it’s great being able to work with them.

“Even though it is only my first year in the R-Cup I will be disappointed if I don’t win the championship, that’s my goal but it is going to be very tough. All things considered though I think we’ve had a really fantastic year and I’m loving every minute of it.”

Ekstrom made a good start from pole position, and although Rockenfeller stayed close early on the Swede remained on top through the two pitstops to win by five seconds.

Rockenfeller had Spengler for close company for the entire race, and Spengler’s constant pressure paid off when Rockenfeller went too deep into Turn 1 on the penultimate lap. The Canadian capitalised and took second place, extending his championship lead.

Jamie Green started the race on the front row alongside Ekstrom but fell back to sixth at the start. Edoardo Mortara and Timo Scheider moved ahead of him into fourth and fifth as Green made contact with Martin Tomczyk through the opening corners.

Scheider took fourth place from Mortara before the first stops, and although the former two-time champion took the checkered flag in the same position, it wouldn’t all be plain sailing as Tomczyk came into play.

Tomczyk stopped one lap earlier than Mortara and Green, allowing him to move ahead of both of them. Scheider stopped on the following lap, and came out just behind Tomczyk. However, he found a way back past on lap 19 and remained there through the second stops and to the finish. Green benefited from an early second stop to jump ahead of Mortara and take sixth.

Gary Paffett finished eighth after fighting his way through from 13^th on the grid after a poor qualifying. He climbed to ninth on the opening lap, but got caught up behind Miguel Molina and was passed by both Filipe Albuqerque and Renger van der Zande at Turn 1 on lap eight as a result.

By the time the second stops were over Paffett had climbed up to eighth, with Albuquerque and Oliver Jarvis completing the top ten at the checkered flag.

Former Grand Prix winners David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher had a tussle at the start of the second lap. Schumacher tapped Coulthard in the rear under-breaking for Turn 1, and Coulthard returned the favour at Turn 2 after Schumacher had squeezed past. It pitched the German into a spin and he retired. Coulthard had to make a stop to replace his front end, finishing the race a lap down.

Spengler’s lead in the standings now stands at seven points ahead of Tomczyk, with Scheider next up but 11 points further behind. The next round takes place at Brands Hatch on 4^th September.

Race results – 49 laps:

Drivers’ standings after 6 of 10 races:

1. Bruno Spengler, 47 points
2. Martin Tomczyk, 40
3. Timo Scheider, 29
4. Jamie Green, 24
5. Mattias Ekstrom, 21
6. Mike Rockenfeller, 20

The typical Eifel weather conditions struck at the beginning of the fourth and final session. Having been quickest in Q3, Ekstrom was the last of the top four to run and therefore benefited from the rain having eased off.

The Swede was 3.180 seconds quicker than Jamie Green, with Mike Rockenfeller third and Bruno Spengler fourth.

“I am very, very happy,” said Ekstrom. “At Abt, we are used to success and we were really annoyed by the results so far this season. Today, everything was spot-on, that is perfect. One also needs luck, because bad luck doesn’t get you any further.”

Green was pleased with second on the grid. “Conditions today were really difficult,” he said. “Timing for the lap was crucial. I am very happy with second place, it gives me all the opportunities for the race.”

Series rookie Edoardo Mortara was fifth, continuing his impressive run of late in his older-spec Audi. He was the quickest of those not to make it through to Q4, ahead of fellow Audi pilots Miguel Molina, Martin Tomczyk and Timo Scheider.

Of those knocked out in Q2, Renger van der Zande was the fastest in ninth, ahead of David Coulthard, Christian Vietoris and Filipe Albuquerque. Gary Paffett was a high profile casualty, only managing 13^th place ahead of Susie Stoddart.

Paffett came close to being knocked out in Q1, much of which was held under showery conditions. Fortunately enough for him it dried up enough at the end to lift him into fourth having been dead last for much of the session. The four that missed out were Oliver Jarvis, Rahel Frey, Ralf Schumacher and Maro Engel.

Full qualifying results

The day’s action began with an opportunity for Miguel Molina and Susie Stoddart to compete having been sidelined yesterday after the prologue section. Both went up against the next slowest driver from their marque to determine the qualifier for the round of 16. Molina made no repeat of his crash from yesterday to defeat Rahel Frey, while Stoddart beat Maro Engel, allowing both to proceed to the round of 16 at the expense of the two losers.

Both had to go up against the best driver from the opposition on Saturday, meaning Stoddart took on yesterday’s victor Mortara while Molina went up against beaten finalist Spengler. Both Mortara and Spengler saw off the challenge to advance to the quarter final stage.

Mortara then came up against David Coulthard, the BBC commentator having overcome Filipe Albuquerque in the first round. Coulthard would end his battle with Mortara early after smashing his Mercedes into the barrier.

In the second of the quarter finals Mattias Ekstrom, winner against Gary Paffett in the first round, took on Renger van der Zande, who claimed another big-name scalp in the first round in the form of Timo Scheider. The Dutch rookie won through after Ekstrom was handed a bizarre time penalty for spinning his wheels outside of the designated zone.

Another of the quarter finals would be decided due to a contentious stewards decision. Jamie Green beat HWA teammate Spengler on the track, only to be handed a penalty for exceeding the speed limit during his pitstop. This saw the Canadian through to the semi final. Green had beaten fellow Brit Oliver Jarvis in the first round.

In the remaining quarter final Christian Vietoris made it three rookies in the semis by beating Martin Tomczyk. Vietoris had defeated Mike Rockenfeller in the opening round, while Tomczyk advanced after Ralf Schumacher crashed.

In the semi finals, Mortara ended van der Zande’s run, while Spengler won through over Vietoris to make it a repeat of Saturday’s final.

With the final made up of two races, Mortara and Spengler were neck and neck after three of five laps in the first battle. Spengler was quicker through the pitstops though to lead, but Mortara then brought an early end to the final by crashing. With his suspension broken he would be unable to contest another race, handing Spengler the victory.

The day saw the members of the Audi squad go up against each other and the same for Mercedes, before the winner from each marque took on each other in the day’s final.

The event began with a prologue section to determine the eight fastest drivers from each manufacturer to proceed to the quarter-finals. Ralf Schumacher emerged fastest of the Mercedes drivers, with Mortara the best of the Audis. Susie Stoddart and Miguel Molina were eliminated, the latter crashing during his run.

Mortara defeated fellow rookie Rahel Frey in his quarter-final, before pulling off a shock result by beating three-time Race of Champions winner Mattias Ekstrom in the semis. Ekstrom had beaten fellow former DTM champion Timo Scheider in the quarters.

Mortara came up against Mike Rockenfeller in the Audi final. Rockenfeller had defeated reigning Race of Champions champion Filipe Albuquerque in their quarter-final, before beating Oliver Jarvis in the semi. Jarvis had earlier knocked out surprise package of 2011 Martin Tomczyk.

Mortara won the Audi final by just over two seconds ahead of Rockenfeller, allowing him to proceed to the superfinal.

Mercedes finalist Spengler shaded fellow HWA driver Jamie Green in the quarters, before beating Ralf Schumacher by two seconds in the semi-final. Schumacher won against Maro Engel in their quarter-final.

Spengler faced surprise finalist Renger van der Zande in the Mercedes final. The Dutchman claimed the scalp of former series champion Gary Paffett in the quarter-final stage, before defeating David Coulthard in the semis.

Van der Zande would be unable to repeat his heroics against Spengler though, the Canadian progressing to the superfinal.

The final was made up of two five-lap races, with Spengler claiming the first in a photo finish. Mortara won the second though to give him an overall advantage of more than three tenths of a second.

Sunday sees the Audi and Mercedes drivers go up against each other from the beginning.

Factory drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus were also confirmed as the first two drivers for the 2012 programme.

“It is good to see how our DTM project is picking up speed,” said Dr. Draeger. “Next year, BMW returns to the DTM after two decades. We will be facing our main competitors in the premium sector – and are already looking forward to this challenge.

“The DTM comeback sees BMW return to its roots. We have enjoyed great success in production car racing in the past, and I am convinced we will follow on in 2012 where we left off. Everyone at BMW Motorsport is working hard to ensure we get off to a successful start next season.”

Marquardt added: “Getting a new racing programme up and running is a bit like doing a jigsaw. New pieces are added almost every day, and we must put them together to create the big picture. The BMW M3 DTM Concept Car is an important milestone on our route to the start of the 2012 season. The roll-out of the car was successful, and we are now starting our test programme out on the track.

New BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt is flanked by drivers Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx next to the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car - Photo Credit: BMW AG

“Drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus are also involved and will form part of our driving line-up in 2012. Their impressive performances in touring car and GT racing make them ideally suited to the DTM, and we are sure they will leave their mark on this series too.

“It is obviously just as important to have strong partners on board, and we were able to present some of them today. The pieces are fitting together perfectly, so we can definitely say our preparations for the 2012 season are going according to plan.”

Former triple World Touring Car Champion Priaulx is pleased to be part of the project. “The DTM will be a big challenge for us all,” he said. “Together with BMW, I have celebrated success in many different disciplines and behind the wheel of some fantastic racing cars in recent years. I am more than confident that this will also be the case in the DTM.

“The BMW M3 DTM looks fantastic. I can hardly wait to get to know the car better in the coming tests, to contribute to its development, and ultimately to sit in the cockpit for the first DTM race in 2012.”

Farfus was also part of BMW’s WTCC team, and also enjoyed success in their sportscar programme. “I am delighted BMW is giving me the opportunity to race in the DTM,” said the Brazilian. “You always need new challenges in life. That is why I cannot wait for my debut in this series.

“The opposition is tough and has more experience in recent years, but BMW Motorsport is working fantastically to ensure we should be competitive right from the word go. We want to learn as quickly as possible. Who knows, maybe we can already challenge the established manufacturers a bit in 2012.”

Three teams will compete in the DTM with BMW – Schnitzer, RBM and the all-new RMGsquad – but it has not yet been decided for which teams the drivers will race for. Having raced for RBM throughout his time in the WTCC, it is likely that Priaulx will line up for the Belgian squad

The BMW M3 DTM Concept Car, showing partners' logos and drivers' names - Photo Credit: BMW AG

A number of partners for the DTM programme were also announced at the event. Hotel brand Crowne Plaza, who first joined forces with BMW as a sponsor of Priaulx’s WTCC car, will be a ‘premium partner’. They will be joined by Deutsche Post. Other partnerships that were announced were with Castrol, H&R, Sonax and ZF Sachs.

“In order to succeed in the DTM, strong partners are as vital as strong teams, cars and drivers,” said Marquardt. “Even at this early stage BMW is in the fortunate position of having secured a raft of respected team sponsors and partners, all of whom perfectly complement the brand and identify totally with our ambitions. We are pleased that long-standing partners have also elected to remain with us. However, for us it is equally satisfying that additional top companies have decided to partner BMW’s DTM campaign and share in the challenges which face us.”

It will meet the new technical regulations for 2012 that have been created by the German federation DMSB and series promoter ITR together with the manufacturers.

“In 2012 new Technical Regulations will come into effect in the DTM,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “We’ve got exactly the right model for that in the A5. We’re convinced that we’ll be able to continue Audi’s success story with it in the DTM.

“Our engineers have been involved in bringing up safety in the DTM, which had already been high before, to the highest possible level,” explained Dr. Ullrich. “At Le Mans this year we learned again that our concept of designing safety structures is a very good and appropriate one. This is exactly what we’ve been trying to feed into the DTM’s safety concept together with our colleagues from BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

“This new principle is an outstanding example of what is possible when employees of three premium manufacturers try to achieve a common aim: to get the best possible, lowest-cost and safest vehicle – and a fantastic car in general – off the ground.”

The first prototype of the R17 is currently being built at Audi Sport’s facilities in Ingolstadt. It will be unveiled to the public at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

The new Audi A5 DTM has a high-strength carbon-fiber monocoque that is combined with a steel tube cage. In addition to the A- and C-pillars the new regulations also require a B-pillar in front of the driver’s head to be installed in the future. The car also features a reinforced sidewall to protect in the event of a side impact.

For Audi the new DTM regulations are a continuation of its work to improve safety of its vehicles. “We’ve continuously improved in this area and will do so in the future as well,” said Dr. Ullrich. “The new DTM vehicles are the best piece of proof that you can make something that is already very safe even saver. This is another thing we mean by ‘Vorsprung durch Technik.’”

The A5 DTM will use a V8 engine with a power output of around 460bhp, taken from the A4 DTM and almost entirely unchanged.

A 1.192 km tarmac circuit has been laid on which the drivers will go head-to-head against each other in front of the fans.

On Saturday there will be inter-brand battles between the nine drivers of each manufacturer, Audi and Mercedes. Eight head-to-head battles over three laps and two individual three-lap time trials will be held to determine the fastest eight drivers from each manufacturer. Here it will be the lap times that will count with the result of the head-to-head duels being irrelevant.

The fastest eight from each brand will advance to a knockout competition to identify the top driver from each manufacturer. The winner of the Audi final will then go up against the winner of the Mercedes final to determine Saturday’s winner. The final will be five laps long, with both drivers having to make a mandatory pit stop on the third lap.

On Sunday the fastest 16 drivers from Saturday will take part in a knockout competition, with Audi drivers going up against Mercedes drivers in the first round. The Audi driver who was the fastest on Saturday will compete against the Mercedes driver who was slowest on Saturday – and vice versa. Each race on Sunday will feature a mandatory pitstop.