Ingolstadt, September 25, 2011 - While Martin Tomczyk visited the Oktoberfest and competed against visitors to the IAA in a driving simulator, Mattias Ekström demonstrated the Audi R8 LMS in his Swedish homeland.
Relaxing appearance: just one day after his podium result at Oschersleben Martin Tomczyk travelled to the 178th Oktoberfest in Munich. Accompanied by partner Christina Surer the DTM championship leader who comes from Rosenheim showed his full support on Monday for the tradition on the ‘Wiesn’ during his relaxing appearance.
Brilliant performance: Audi factory driver Mattias Ekström gave rides to a group of local racing drivers in an Audi R8 LMS on Sunday in his Swedish homeland. Around the Mantorp Park race track the invited guests were impressed by the potential of the customer racing race car. In addition to the existing customers Erik Behrens and Jan Brunstedt fifteen potential buyers were able to convince themselves of the qualities of the R8 LMS. During the afternoon they were all allowed to test themselves the powerful 520 hp GT3 sportscar resplendent in the colors of the 24-hours Spa race winning car.
Show of strength against the championship leader: IAA visitors were able to test their abilities against Martin Tomczyk. The Audi factory driver and Schaeffler brand ambassador competed in the driving simulator against visitors during the Schaeffler DTM Experience on Sunday in Frankfurt. The best finalist was 18-year old Udo Weber from Eschenburg. He won a VIP package for two people at the DTM finale at Hockenheim.
Rising star in title fight: Matt Bell, who is currently fighting for the British GT Championship title in an Audi R8 LMS from United Autosports, received a special award. The 21-year old Briton was adopted into the British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) ‘Rising Stars’ program. Former Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton also successfully navigated this support scheme.
Title chances in Great Britain: Matt Bell and Mike Guasch scored important points in the British GT Championship with a seventh place in the 3-hour race at Donington Park in the team United Autosports Audi R8 LMS. The duo dropped way down the field after a collision at the start of the race. Bell and Guasch travel to the finale at Silverstone, where 37.5 points are up for grabs again, in third place in the standings eleven points behind the leader.
Podium result at the Nordschleife: Christopher Haase and Frank Stippler were narrowly beaten in the Phoenix Racing Audi R8 LMS in the eighth race of the endurance championship season at the Nürburgring (VLN). The duo started from pole position and led for much of the 4-hour race before finishing second overall at the checkered flag.
A brief interview with... Martin Tomczyk
At Oschersleben a one point lead became nine. As a result a ‘championship point’ is even on the cards at Valencia. A pleasant option?
It goes without saying that such a thing is a very positive situation. However, at the end of the day they are only points, no advantages on the track or in wheel-to-wheel racing. The level in the DTM is so high that you must always produce a 100 per cent performance. It’s all about doing a perfect job so as to also have a very good weekend at Valencia.
The Saturday at Oschersleben didn’t run perfectly. What did you learn from this?
It proved that an expert team and experienced racing driver can make small errors. A day later we demonstrated that we had both the strength and single-mindedness to turn the situation to our advantage. We didn’t get confused. We changed the car, were good in the warm-up on Sunday morning and were even able to score a great result in the race with a damaged car.
Last year you were second at Valencia even though you were disqualified after the race. Do you like the track?
We’ve only visited the track once with the DTM. Last year it took a little time to adapt the tires and car immediately to this asphalt. But this is long since history, since this year we have a new tire partner with Hankook. I really like driving at Valencia. As everybody knows it’s a typical motorbike circuit. The flat curbs are easier and better to cut than the curbs lining the track last time out at Oschersleben. It’s much better for the car.
After extending the championship lead at Oschersleben you visited the Oktoberfest - for a real Bavarian an absolute necessity or not?
Yes of course! On Monday after Oschersleben my partner Christina and I were invited by Wilfried Sauerland to the Oktoberfest. It was a wonderful evening that we spent together in the Hippodrom. This weekend I was at the IAA for Audi and Schaeffler. In the middle of this coming week the flight to Valencia is already on my plan.
Coming up next week
01.10. Road Atlanta (USA), ILMC, round 6
02.10. Valencia (E), DTM, round 9
02.10. Hockenheim (D), ADAC GT Masters, round 8
02.10. Spa (B), Dutch Supercar Challenge, round 9
02.10. Autopolis (J), GT Asia, round 4
02.10. Zolder (B), Belcar Championship, round 5
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