With the new season of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) soon set to commence, Audi has taken to the track to test out its new RS5 DTM racing cars.
All eight drivers have been given the chance to push the vehicle to its limits during the testing period (March 31st – April 3rd), with the cars taking on the Hungaroring in Budapest.
It’s all in preparation for the season opener of the DTM season, which will commence on May 4th in Hockenheim.
The four Audi RS5 DTM machines will have some top names behind the wheel this season, including Mattias Ekstrom, Jamie Green, Miguel Molina and Time Scheider.
It is hoped they can help to replicate Audi’s recent successes on the track and go for a third championship.
Once again the car driven by Ekstrom will be decked out in the colours of partner Red Bull, marking the 13th partnership year between the two.
Elsewhere, Scheider’s black Audi will have the logo of magazine Auto Test emblazoned across the bonnet, while Molina will drive a bright red model.
In his second year with the Audi team, Green’s 2014 Audi features the colours associated with new race partner, Hoffman Group.
Reigning champion Mike Rockenfeller will also be making his return with the team, with his Schaeffer Group coloured model still under assembly.
However, his enthusiasm was still notable at the testing event as he lined up with the rest of his teammates.
“My first winter as DTM champion was a great time with many honours and interesting commitments. But now I can do again what I like best: sitting in the race car and working with my team. We’re finally on track again!” he said.
In March this year, Rockenfeller also expressed his delight at the latest design of the car, which features new aerodynamics, as well as detailed under-skin improvements.
The drivers will next meet at the second official ITR test at Hockenheim from April 14th to 17th. All the eight liveries will be present here as the drivers conduct their final ‘rehearsal’ before taking to the track for the first race.
Audi stands a very good chance of success this year, with Rockenfeller, Ekstrom and Scheider all previous champions in the competition.
It is hoped they will be able to carry out Audi’s ‘title defence’ mission with aplomb, and will take part in a one-week teambuilding and fitness camp to ensure they are primed and ready for the first challenge.
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