News 18 sept 2005

altodx

18 sept 2005
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By claiming victory after a tough fight at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, Audi works driver Mattias Ekström recaptured the lead in the DTM. Prior to the final two races, the Swede from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline is now again ranking one point ahead of Mercedes driver Gary Paffett, with whom he fought a thrilling duel for victory. Ekström showed strong nerves yet again: from the fourth of 48 laps onwards, the two title contenders were driving around the circuit bumper to bumper. Thanks to a perfect strategy, quick pit stops and absolutely faultless driving, Ekström managed to stay in front of the Brit throughout the race to secure Audi’s third victory of the season. In the manufacturers’ standings, Audi further expanded its advantage over Mercedes-Benz.

Lausitzring, 18 August, DTM round 9 (pdf)
1 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) 1.03'44"903
2 Gary Paffett (Mercedes) 38 laps + 0"401
3 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) + 3"062
4 Laurent Aiello (Opel) + 4"756
5 Manuel Reuter (Opel) +6"082
6 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes) + 18"762
7 Heinz-Harald Frentzen (Opel) + 21"368
8 Jean Alesi (Mercedes) + 23"299
9 Allan McNish (Audi) + 29"766
10 Martin Tomczyk (Audi) + 30"198
11 Dindo Capello (Audi) + 30"553

Audi’s triumph at the EuroSpeedway was completed by Tom Kristensen finishing in third place. The Le Mans record winner thus managed to secure his third place in the drivers’ standings before the end of the season. The fourth in the standings, Mika Häkkinen, will not be able to equal Kristensen’s score in the two remaining races.

Best driver of a 2004-spec A4 of Audi Sport Team Joest was Rinaldo Capello, who came eleventh. Finishing in ninth place, Allan McNish barely missed scoring a point. After spinning, Martin Tomczyk and Frank Stippler claimed tenth and 13th place. Christian Abt was hit by another car and had to retire, as did his team-mate Pierre Kaffer.

Rinaldo Capello (Audi Sport Team Joest #18)
11th place, + 30.553s
"My speed in the race was very good, I drove the fourth-quickest race lap of all the drivers. Unfortunately I was spun and that practically meant the end of my race. That’s too bad because I’ve often proved that I’ve got the speed, so it’s time to reap some points. All I need now is a little luck.”

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