Audi newsletter 2009-04-13

Impressive debut for Audi R8 LMS

ADAC GT Masters: Although the Audi R8 LMS was reassessed and subsequently reclassified by the FIA governing body immediately before its first race in the ADAC GT Masters, and had to compete with less power, more weight, a narrower rear wing and increased ride-height as a result, the new GT3 sports car from AUDI AG made a strong impression on its debut at Oschersleben. In the first race three of the four competing R8 LMS finished in the points. Cesar Campanico and Nicolas Armindo (Team Rosberg), who started from the second row, even led the race before dropping back following a Stop-and-Go penalty awarded due to a mistake during the mandatory pit stop. Christian Abt (Team Abt Sportsline) was the star of the second race on Easter Monday: The former Audi factory driver fought through the field from tenth to third in his Audi R8 LMS. However, team mate Shane Williams gave away the podium finish with a trip into the gravel bed just before the end of the race. The most successful R8 duo was Michael Outzen and Henri Moser (Phoenix Racing) with fourth and fifth positions.

DTM tests at Dijon-Prenois

DTM: The countdown for the 2009 DTM starts with the year's first official DTM tests. From Tuesday to Thursday (April 14 to 16) the Audi Sport Teams Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg test on the French race track at Dijon-Prenois on which a DTM race is held for the first time this year. The 2009 Audi A4 DTM ("R14 plus") meets the latest C-Class from Mercedes-Benz for the first time. Audi aims to be the first automobile manufacturer this year to win Europe's most popular touring car racing series for the third time in succession. Additional official test days are held between April 27 and 30 at the Hockenheimring before the 2009 season also starts at Hockenheim on May 17.

DTM presentation in Dusseldorf

DTM: The DTM presentation is held this coming Sunday in the sports city Dusseldorf for the fourth time in succession. Following a press conference starting at 11.00 a.m. in the "Meilenwerk" for accredited media representatives, in which Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich and his nine factory drivers also participate, the public events starts at 1.00 p.m. on the Konigsallee. Several Audi A4 DTM cars and also an Audi R8 LMS will be in action on the temporary closed track in the heart of Dusseldorf. Approximately 200,000 spectators were on the "Ko" last year.

Further tests around the Nordschleife

VLN: This coming Saturday Team Phoenix Racing completes another event, within the framework of the BFGoodrich Endurance Championship on the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, with the endurance version of the Audi R8 LMS. At the wheel this time are Christian Abt, Marc Basseng and Frank Stippler. The latest FIA balance of performance is valid also for this race.

Coming up next week

DTM tests at Dijon-Prenois (Tuesday to Thursday) ... round 2 of the BFGoodrich Endurance Championship Nurburgring (Saturday) ... DTM presentation in Dusseldorf (Sunday)

-credit: audi