For the second consecutive time, the DTM is visiting Munich’s Olympic Stadium – a perfect opportunity for motorsport fans to enjoy a close-up experience of the new Audi A5 DTM in action and to get hold of autographs by the Audi drivers on July 14 and 15. An attractive supporting program makes the DTM race in Munich an event for the whole family.
Last year, a total of 54,000 spectators turned out for the premiere of the spectacular DTM race in Munich at which the DTM stars this year will be competing against each other on both days in a knockout system on a 614-meter synchronous track, which makes the stadium race in Munich a unique experience. A few improvements compared with last year are designed to further heighten suspense. For the first time, the race will be held on two mirrored tracks. The tarmac has higher grip and the run-off areas have been designed to allow the drivers to take their cars even closer to the limit than before. A unique advantage at a DTM race here is the fact that spectators have an unobstructed view of the track from any place in the stadium. Larger video walls and reference points on the track provide an enhanced overview.
The format of the competition on Saturday in which Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz will be battling for the manufacturers’ title in the so-called “relay mode” is new. Two drivers of a manufacturer, respectively, will form a team that takes turns in the pits just like in a relay race. The handoff takes place twice per run.
On Sunday, direct duels in a knockout system will be fought for the drivers’ title – pit stops and tire changes included. The leader of the standings – Gary Paffett – and the three drivers from each manufacturer with the highest point scores are placed in the table of the 22 participants and will receive a bye on the first lap.
In the Audi line-up, these drivers are Mattias Ekstrom (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline), Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) and Edoardo Mortara (Audi Sport Team Rosberg), which means one driver from each of the three Audi factory teams.
The two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström has won the “Race of Champions,” which is held in a sports arena as well, as many as three times and is regarded as a specialist for stadium races. Edoardo Mortara clinched the first victory of the Audi A5 DTM at Spielberg at the beginning of June. Last year, he was the best Audi racer in Munich. Mortara won the “race of marques” on Saturday and finished a thrilling final on Sunday as the runner-up behind Bruno Spengler.
The stadium premiere of the new Audi A5 DTM will not be the only attraction, though, to cause tens of thousands of fans to flock to the Olympiapark again on July 14 and 15. In Munich, the spectators can get into particularly close touch with the drivers and teams during autograph sessions, in open pit tents, at a pit stop challenge and guided paddock tours. An attractive supporting program ranging from the Red Bull X-Fighters, play makeup booths for children through to concerts in the paddock will make the DTM race in Munich an event for the whole family.
As at all DTM races, Audi will again showcase highlights from its current product range at the Olympiapark. DTM tickets can be obtained at www.audi.de/dtm. ARD will air extensive live coverage from Munich on both days on “Das Erste.”
