wikedgolf
08-04-2004, 10:29 AM
Ekstrom and Audi out to extend lead.
WEDNESDAY 4TH AUGUST 2004
http://crash.net/pictures/headline/82366.jpg
After moving back into the series lead last weekend at the Nurburgring, Audi driver Mattias Ekstrom will be looking to extend his advantage at the top of the DTM standings as the series moves to Oschersleben.
Second place behind Mercedes driver Gary Paffett was enough for Ekstrom to overhaul rival Christijan Albers to take a five point lead into this weekends meeting. His aim is to extend that gap – preferably with a race win.
"I'm really looking forward to Oschersleben,†he said, “as Audi should be just as strong there as at the Nurburgring. That means we will once again fight for overall honours. It would be marvellous if I could win at Oschersleben and one of my team colleagues would be second. Whatever happens, my goal is to extend the championship lead."
Martin Tomczyk endured a wretched weekend at the Nurburgring when he was forced out following contact early on. With the Audi A4 DTM suited to the Oschersleben track, he too is hopeful of a good result to help the Audi Sport Team Abt go to the top of the team championship. They currently sit two points behind the Vodafone/DC Bank Mercedes team.
"Oschersleben isn't really a particularly quick track, and doesn't have any long straights,†he said. “Therefore traction is again an issue, which should play into our hands. I believe that our Audi A4 will really suit the long left hand corner in the infield section. My goal: to see the finish, score points together with Mattias and, as a result, make up lost ground in the team championship."
Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest driver Frank Biela was another drive to be caught up in the first lap action last weekend – an incident that ruined his chances of a strong result. He aims to put that right at Oschersleben.
"It would be a good feeling to be able to finish a race again,†he said. “I firmly believe that a good result was possible at the Nürburgring. The car was very good; unfortunately I couldn't show its potential because of my early retirement. We changed our approach last weekend. I think it is the right direction. I'd really like to be able to prove it at Oschersleben."
Technical Director of Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest Ralf Jüttner is also looking for the to put the problems of the Nurburgring behind them.
"Oschersleben is new for us, but the track should be good for Audi,†he said. “You need a lot of downforce there and a car with which you can drive over the kerbs - both strengths of the A4. We will try to find a good set-up and make the best of it. We want to be among the top ten in qualifying and finally score some points in the race again."
© 1999 - 2004 Crash Dot Net Limited.
WEDNESDAY 4TH AUGUST 2004
http://crash.net/pictures/headline/82366.jpg
After moving back into the series lead last weekend at the Nurburgring, Audi driver Mattias Ekstrom will be looking to extend his advantage at the top of the DTM standings as the series moves to Oschersleben.
Second place behind Mercedes driver Gary Paffett was enough for Ekstrom to overhaul rival Christijan Albers to take a five point lead into this weekends meeting. His aim is to extend that gap – preferably with a race win.
"I'm really looking forward to Oschersleben,†he said, “as Audi should be just as strong there as at the Nurburgring. That means we will once again fight for overall honours. It would be marvellous if I could win at Oschersleben and one of my team colleagues would be second. Whatever happens, my goal is to extend the championship lead."
Martin Tomczyk endured a wretched weekend at the Nurburgring when he was forced out following contact early on. With the Audi A4 DTM suited to the Oschersleben track, he too is hopeful of a good result to help the Audi Sport Team Abt go to the top of the team championship. They currently sit two points behind the Vodafone/DC Bank Mercedes team.
"Oschersleben isn't really a particularly quick track, and doesn't have any long straights,†he said. “Therefore traction is again an issue, which should play into our hands. I believe that our Audi A4 will really suit the long left hand corner in the infield section. My goal: to see the finish, score points together with Mattias and, as a result, make up lost ground in the team championship."
Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest driver Frank Biela was another drive to be caught up in the first lap action last weekend – an incident that ruined his chances of a strong result. He aims to put that right at Oschersleben.
"It would be a good feeling to be able to finish a race again,†he said. “I firmly believe that a good result was possible at the Nürburgring. The car was very good; unfortunately I couldn't show its potential because of my early retirement. We changed our approach last weekend. I think it is the right direction. I'd really like to be able to prove it at Oschersleben."
Technical Director of Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest Ralf Jüttner is also looking for the to put the problems of the Nurburgring behind them.
"Oschersleben is new for us, but the track should be good for Audi,†he said. “You need a lot of downforce there and a car with which you can drive over the kerbs - both strengths of the A4. We will try to find a good set-up and make the best of it. We want to be among the top ten in qualifying and finally score some points in the race again."
© 1999 - 2004 Crash Dot Net Limited.