Team Rosberg’s Arno Zensen says that the team are aiming to retake the position of being the top Audi team in the 2014 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, after the team endured a difficult season in 2013, finishing last in the team’s standings.
Having finished as the top Audi team in 2012, with drivers Edoardo Mortara and Filipe Albuqeurque, the team struggled to find form during 2013 with the same driver line-up and finished bottom of the team’s standings, with only four points finishes all season.
In 2014 there is all-change in the driver line-up at the Neustadt-based team, with Brit Jamie Green moving across from Abt Sportsline and Swiss Nico Müller joining the DTM from the Formula Renault 3.5 series.
Team Principal Arno Zensen admitted that he was pleased to be welcoming Green, the DTM’s current fifth most experienced driver, to the team.
“We welcome this challenge,” said Zensen. “In Jamie, we’ve got a really experienced driver in our team for the first time. He’s been racing in the DTM for ten years and, like us, is waiting for the first title.
“Jamie has frequently visited us here at the company and has been intensively working with the engineers. We’re happy to have him on board with us.”
Zensen is also looking forward to working with Müller over the course of the coming season, adding that he had already formed a working relationship with lead driver Green.
“All the positive things we’d previously heard about Nico have been more than confirmed,” added Zensen. “He’s a great guy, who’s likeable, open-minded and all fired up for racing in the DTM. And he’s shown on numerous occasions that he really knows how to drive.
“During our fitness week, we could already tell that Jamie and Nico get along with each other really well and are a very good match. Jamie plays the role of teacher a bit and Nico gratefully accepts his advice. Both have understood what this year is all about and are giving everything for it – I can already say that now, even though we haven’t driven a single kilometer yet.”
Zensen admits that the 2013 season was a ‘bad year’ and hopes the team can return as strong as ever in 2014, with preparations already well underway.
“2013 was a bad year, there’s no point in denying that. Our first aim is to continue where we left off in 2012 and to be the best Audi team this season. And, of course, we’d like to be in contention for the title battle as well.
“Everything’s on schedule. A part of the squad is in Ingolstadt to prepare our first race car. The others are preparing the equipment and practicing pit stops on the simulator twice a day.
“The whole squad can hardly wait for the action on the track to start.”