 at Oschersleben, which could prove to be a tough test.){kind=link}
Audi Sport comes into the seventh round of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) campaign leading the constructors’ standings by 28 points ahead of chief rival Mercedes, as the series heads to Motorsport Arena Oschersleben this weekend.
With Mattias Ekström still battling hard for a potential third title in his Team Abt Sportsline RS5 DTM, performance weights appear to be not that successful in hindering the Swede, who freely admitted that he would like to “leave again as the leader as well.”
“I’m delighted to return to Oschersleben,” said the two-time champion, who leads Mercedes’ Pascal Wehrlein in the drivers’ standings by just six points.
Esktröm has battled his way to victory in difficult conditions at both Hockenheim and the Red Bull Ring this year, so his win in 2011 would count towards some welcome experience if the weather changes.
“I remember the wet race well. Even though I’ve still got to wipe out an old score: I’ve never managed a perfect weekend there on a dry track.
“But winning there won’t be easy. My goal is to clinch two podiums. Positions in the top five would be okay, but scoring points twice the minimum.”
One benefit that all the teams and drivers have ahead of this weekend was that the DTM carried out one of its pre season tests at the track earlier this year.
Audi’s Head of DTM, Dieter Gass, admits will be a tough challenge with the track’s tricky layout, but that the Ingolstadt brand is “looking forward to this tremendous crowd.”
“That’s why we’ve already gathered a lot of information about the set-up of the cars. But we know that due to its curbs the track will be extremely hard on the material and overtaking difficult despite the drag reduction system.
“That’s why the two qualifying sessions will be even more important. In the race, turn one will be a key section, which is why most of the spectators are sitting there. “
Audi Sport has had its own fair share of success at Oschersleben, with both Timo Scheider and Tom Kristensen taking their first DTM career wins there in 2008 and 2004 respectively.
Scheider, who returns after his compulsory ban for Moscow Raceway, also won in 2009, which coincided with his title-winning years in the series. He still remains determined to keep fighting towards the top step of the podium.
“Obviously, I’ve got no chance of winning the championship anymore, but my goal remains unchanged: winning races,” said the German in a recent telephone press conference.
“My team-mate Mike Rockenfeller showed at Moscow that this is possible with a Phoenix Audi – and, actually, we’ve always been on a similar level so far this season.”