Audi has announced its final driver line-up for the 2013 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, with Spaniard Miguel Molina retaining his seat whilst Swiss racer Rahel Frey moves to GT racing.
The decision means that the only changes to Audi’s line-up from 2012 are the signing of Jamie Green and the subsequent departure of lady racer Frey, who will continue to race Audi machinery in GT racing.
Molina, 23, is one of the youngest driver’s in Audi’s roster and has taken a best finish in the German series of third in the final race of 2011 at the Hockenheimring.
With two double champions (Mattias Ekström and Timo Scheider) in the team and a host of proven names alongside talented youngsters, Audi Head of Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich is confident of success in 2013.
“I’m convinced that in 2013 we’ll be on the grid with an extremely strong line-up – perhaps the strongest one ever since Audi started competing in the DTM,” said Ullrich, who also stated that experience would be key in 2013 due to the shortened format of the DTM weekend. “Finding the perfect set-up in an extremely short space of time will be crucial, so experience is worth its weight in gold. Therefore, we decided not to integrate a DTM rookie and to run with our proven squad. I’d like to sincerely thank Rahel for her strong performances and her commitment in the DTM. She was a valuable addition to the DTM with her manner and poise and will definitely continue this way in her future commitments for Audi.”
Audi’s announcement means that only Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm it’s full driver line-up for the 2013 season, with BMW having announced their final driver two weeks ago.
The DTM season begins on the 5th May 2013 at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemburg.