With the Euro Speedway Lausitzring hosting the third race weekend on the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) calendar, Audi Sport are aware of any possible situation happening during rounds five and six.
“By now, it’s become nearly impossible to make any predictions,” explained Head of DTM, Dieter Gass.
“We’re determined to deliver a similarly strong performance as last year at the Lausitzring. But it would be totally wrong to travel there with too much self-confidence.”
Mattias Ekström has been the most successful Ingolstadt driver at the Brandenburg-based circuit. The Swede has had two wins and nine podium finishes thus far, which also included a third and second place finish last year.
The 37-year-old also remarked about the amount of heavy hits that have taken place so far this season. Ekström himself was spun around after a hefty impact during the first race at the Red Bull Ring.
“Maybe videos of them should be shown at the drivers’ briefing. From champions and old hands like Gary, Bruno and Paul (Di Resta) some of our young drivers can learn a lot. Rubbing is racing, but crashing isn’t.”
Team Rosberg’s Jamie Green was the man on form last year, as he took the first double victory in the new format at the 3.478-km track, leading an Audi 1-2-3-4 in both races.
The Briton’s efforts clearly showed that he will be one to keep an eye on this weekend. Green was dominant for race two qualifying, as he not only set the best all-time lap record, but beat Ekström to pole position by 0.520 seconds.
Italy’s Edoardo Mortara is also looking to gain momentum towards another title push, after his disappointment at the Hockenheim finale last year.
The Team Abt Sportsline goes to Lausitz with a three point deficit to Mercedes’ Paul Di Resta, but will be confident after his successes last year, which saw him second in race one and fifth in race two.
With a track that provides close racing, Audi could also fight their way back towards the front of the constructors’ championship, as they look to steal back some of the advantage gained by BMW at the Red Bull Ring.