Audi in the 2017 DTM: On a new track

“These are exciting times for the DTM,” says the new Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “We have new cars with more power, a throatier sound and less downforce. The tires degrade faster, are no longer preheated and make even greater demands on the driver. The pit stops with fewer mechanics immediately reveal any mistake. The format is identical for all 18 races. Overall, we’ve made the DTM even more thrilling and spectacular. For instance, we’re now offering completely new peeks behind the scenes to the fans. I very much look forward to the new season.”

Audi has reorganized itself for the DTM to some extent as well. Stefan Gugger is the new Project Leader for the DTM and Florian Modlinger the Technical Director. Audi has has reduced the driver squad from eight to six campaigners and in Loïc Duval and René Rast has the only newcomers in the 2017 DTM field. They form a strong unit together with the two former DTM Champions Mattias Ekström (2004 und 2007) and Mike Rockenfeller (2013) and the two DTM race winners Jamie Green and Nico Müller.

The three teams have remained unchanged: Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg. In all three teams, Dieter Gass relies on a combination of a seasoned campaigner and promising teammates. Youngster Nico Müller and Mattias Ekström form Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, Loïc Duval and Mike Rockenfeller Audi Sport Team Phoenix, Jamie Green and René Rast Audi Sport Team Rosberg.

The car is completely new. Audi has developed the third-generation Audi RS 5 DTM in parallel to the production model. It features the new RS design language for the first time, appears even more progressive and is even more extreme in terms of aerodynamics than its successful predecessor. At the same time, the four-liter V8 engine of the Audi RS 5 DTM now delivers more than 500 HP.