Audi Motorsport Newsletter 15/2016

Molina in motorsport spectacle at Budapest

In the NAGY FUTAM 2016 (Great Race) at Budapest, Audi driver Miguel Molina presented himself to the Hungarian motorsport fans at close range. During some demo laps, the Spaniard gave an idea of the performance he is capable of delivering in his RS 5 DTM. Molina repeatedly gunned the 460-hp engine of his race car in the streets of the Hungarian capital and with lots of smoke and spinning tires tremendously thrilled the crowd. The large-scale event organized by the Hungaroring attracted hundreds of thousands of spectators to the Danube riverwalk. In September, the Audi factory driver will be returning to Budapest – in competitive conditions for the season’s penultimate DTM race.

Mike Rockenfeller meets with engineers of tomorrow

A day full of variety at Schaeffler: Mike Rockenfeller visited the Schaeffler Motorsport Academy in Herzogenaurach yesterday. The Audi factory driver engaged in an exchange with fans and Formula Student alumni and avidly signed autographs. “Rocky,” who has been sporting Schaeffler’s colors ever since the 2012 DTM season and became DTM Champion the following year, answered the questions of the engineers of tomorrow during a panel discussion.

Jamie Green’s racing suit to be auctioned

Bidding for a good cause: Audi Sport’s partner Hoffman Group will be auctioning a signed racing suit of Jamie Green’s from May 2 to 12 on “eBay for Charity” for the benefit of the company’s own foundation. The Hoffmann Group Foundation supports institutions that further the development of deprived and traumatized children and teenagers. Jamie Green has been causing a stir in the DTM sporting the orange livery of the tool specialist for three years. In 2015, he finished the season as the best Audi driver.

Audi Sport TT Cup becomes even more international

The 2016 Audi Sport TT Cup is opening up for further markets. This year, not only 16 permanent entrants from eleven countries are competing in the races of the one-make cup, but guest entrants from other nations will be on the grid as well. Four Cup cars will be available for them on each race weekend. Their cockpits can be filled by Audi Sport dealerships around the globe with drivers that have racing experience. In addition, each of the rounds will include four changing celebrities and journalists. The objective is to position the Audi Sport TT Cup on an even more international scale.

A word from … Jamie Green

Audi driver Jamie Green in an interview about his expectations for the 2016 DTM season, his goals for the season opener at Hockenheim next week and the upcoming birth of his third child.

The new DTM season will start next weekend. Are you excited or is it just “business as usual?”

A little bit of both. I’ve been racing in the DTM for many years, so the situation isn’t new for me. But the season opener is always exciting because after the long winter break you don’t know yet where you stand in terms of performance.

The DTM rule makers have done a lot to create balance in the field. What can the fans expect?

I think there’ll be more intermixing of the brands. Last year, some of the races were dominated by a single manufacturer due to the allocation of the additional weights. In other races, another one would benefit from the weight distribution. I believe this year the relative strengths are no longer going to shift as much from race to race.

There have been other rule changes made for this season. What effects, for example, will the limitation of DRS use have?

The problem last season was that the chasers were able to use DRS throughout the race in order to stay on the heels of the driver in front. That made it difficult to pull clear of the car chasing you. The limitation now makes the race fairer.

Let’s change the subject. You’re expecting the arrival of your third child. Any news you’d like to share about this?

I’m intensively preparing for the season opener, but the upcoming birth of our baby is constantly in the back of my mind. I was present during the birth of my first children, but this time the due date falls on the Hockenheim weekend. We’re hoping for it to perhaps happen a little earlier. If not, the plan is for me to stay at Hockenheim.

What’s your goal for the season opener?

Last year, I won the first and the last race at Hockenheim. It would be great if I could repeat that.

Coming up next week

03/05 Cologne (D), press conference, 24-hour race Nürburgring
03–04/05 Fuji (J), round 2, Super GT
05–07/05 Spa (B), round, 2 WEC
06–08/05 Hockenheim (D), rounds 1 and 2, DTM
06–07/05 Zandvoort (NL), round 4, International Endurance Series, 12-hour race
06-08/05 Perth (AUS), round 3, Australian GT Championship
07–08/05 Brands Hatch (GB), round 2, Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup
07.–08.05. Brands Hatch (GB), round 2, Blancpain GT Sports Club
07.–08.05. Falperra (E), round 3, Spanish Hillclimb Championship
07.–08.05. Brands Hatch (GB), round 2, GT Cup Championship