Two weeks before the first DTM Race of Russia at the Moscow Raceway, DTM drivers Mike Rockenfeller and Andy Priaulx demonstrated their cars in front of 100,000 fans.
Joining them in the demonstration was former Formula 1 driver Vitaly Petrov, who experienced the DTM for the first time as he took over from Ralf Schumacher in the Mercedes for the Sunday.
The former Lotus and Caterham F1 racer admitted that he can see himself competing in the Championship after his maiden run on the streets of the Russian capital city.
“For me, being at the DTM is a great pleasure. I have never driven such a car or talked to a DTM driver before,” explained Petrov. “One can’t rule out that I may be driving in the DTM in the future as well. The DTM is at a top level and the cars are fantastic. It is a unique series and I would love to be part of it one day, too,” he added.
Petrov will be providing DTM taxi rides at the Moscow Raceway in two weeks time and was pleased to have the opportunity to be present at the demonstration run.
“The car is very good to drive, it is great fun, “added Petrov. “It is nice that I was allowed to be present here. This is where I come from and I have many fans here.”
Current Championship leader Rockenfeller was pleased with the reaction of the Russian fans during the run on the 3.7km street circuit, which included blasting past the Kremlin at 200kph.
“It really is a good feeling to see how big the passion for motorsport here in Russia is,” added Audi racer ‘Rocky’. “And who knows, perhaps I will also succeed in becoming the first DTM race winner in Russia in a fortnight, too.”
BMW’s Andy Priaulx was surprised at how many of the Russian fans recognised him throughout the day. The three times World Touring Car Championship Champion is pleased with how the event went.
“We have given the people in this wonderful city a great show. Prior to our maiden race, this was a perfect opportunity to present ourselves. And I was really surprised to see how many fans here in Russia recognised me,” Priaulx said.