Audi’s Edoardo Mortara is one of the drivers that have been relatively successful in recent times at the Red Bull Ring, which hosts the second round of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season this coming weekend (20th – 22nd May).
The Italian was the first of the 24 drivers to take a race win this year at the Hockenheimring a fortnight ago, showing that Dieter Gass’ outfit has been upping their game for this season.
Mortara, who is currently third in the drivers’ standings behind the Mercedes duo of Paul Di Resta and Robert Wickens, is looking forward to adding to his tally of two wins at the Austrian track.
A good result for the 29-year-old will help him in the title charge, but with the chaos that surrounded the season opener, he knows what is needed to stay ahead of the rest.
“We simply need to be on the grid as far forward as possible in order to avoid the mid-field chaos,” said the Team Abt Sportsline driver, who has also secured two pole positions at the 4.326-km circuit in 2012 and 2015.
“The Red Bull Ring is clearly one of my favorite tracks in the DTM. I like the circuit, as well as the beautiful surroundings with the mountains and lush green nature. I always enjoy returning to Spielberg.”
Last year’s controversy in Austria is one that Audi Sport wants to forget, as they have come into 2016 with a very positive attitude.
Ingolstadt’s Head of DTM, Dieter Gass, shares the view that the return of the Red Bull Ring to the series, has proved that there is always action in store for the fans in attendance.
“As expected, the field has moved even closer together, so the fans can look forward to two interesting race days,” he said, but is hopeful that that the eight RS5 DTMs have a better showing than what we saw at Hockenheim.
The first practice session for the second race weekend of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season gets underway on Friday afternoon at 17.00 local time.
DTM Red Bull Ring Timetable (20.05 – 22.05.2016)
(BST times – 1 hour)
Friday
17.00 – Free Practice 1
Saturday
12.40 – Free Practice 2
15.25 – Qualifying for Race 1
17.48 – Race 1 (40 minutes plus one lap)
Sunday
10.20 – Free Practice 3
12.50 – Qualifying Race 2
15.13 – Race 2 (60 minutes plus one lap)