Audi comes as leader to DTM finale

The points’ situation going into the DTM finale on 14 October at Hockenheim could hardly be closer: With Mattias Ekström (Audi/44 points), Bruno Spengler (Mercedes/42 points) and Martin Tomczyk (Audi/40 points), three drivers are still fighting for the title in the most popular international touring car series – this has not been the case since the DTM made its comeback in the year 2000.

For only the second time in history, drivers representing two automobile manufacturers still have championship aspirations going into the final round of the "new" DTM. Fans and media alike speculate over the various scenarios that could arise at Hockenheim after the prestigious duel between Audi and Mercedes-Benz escalated and Audi withdrew every car from the race in protest at Barcelona.

Fact is: Audi want to bring the title back to Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm. Audi has already clinched the championship twice – 1990 and 1991 – in the last race at Hockenheim. In 2002 and 2004, the championship went to Audi drivers before the final race. In 2005, Mattias Ekström arrived at the finale at Hockenheim with only a slim chance of retaining the title and had to settle for the runner-up spot at the chequered flag.

In spite of the double K.O. punch at Barcelona, Audi enters the decisive final weekend with advantages: Mattias Ekström heads for Hockenheim as the championship leader. This means that his closest rival, Bruno Spengler, is under pressure and must score points. The Mercedes driver can not afford a non-finish. With Martin Tomczyk in third place overall, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline has a second title candidate in the race who is only four points behind Mattias Ekström. Martin Tomczyk has been in impressive form recently and has previously been particularly strong at Hockenheim.

Last but not least, the Audi A4 DTM is considered the car to beat: Mattias Ekström and Martin Tomczyk scored a one-two at the season opener in April at Hockenheim. More recently Audi has claimed four successive pole positions and won two of the last three races. The no-score at Barcelona had at least one positive side-effect: The 2007 Mercedes’ – this also includes Bruno Spengler – must compete at the finale with ten kilograms more ballast than the Audi A4 DTM from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline.

For the Allgaeu based squad, Hockenheim is also about winning the Team Championship. Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline has a 14.5 point lead before the finale – a maximum of 18 points are on offer.

The explosive title showdown has boosted the already excellent advanced ticket sales: Almost 60,000 tickets had been sold two weeks before the finale. 149,000 spectators were counted over the weekend last year – a DTM record even though the championship had already been decided.