16 months after the project was launched, Audi is now counting down the days until its new RS 5 DTM contests its first two races of the 2017 DTM season.
“After we’ve previously been able to celebrate great success in Formula E and the World Rallycross Championship this year, we’re finally starting to race again in the DTM too,” said head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “The winter break of more than 200 days was extremely long. We’re excited to see what effects the numerous changes in the DTM will have – especially the softer tires. Hockenheim has always been a good track for us in recent years. I’d like for this to continue to be the case and for us to be able to lay the foundation for a successful season at the opening event.”
Having scored 22 victories in 46 races, the previous generations have made the Audi RS 5 DTM one of the most successful DTM car of the past three years. Development of the third-generation RS 5 DTM began in January 2016 with the scaling of the production-level body and initial wind tunnel tests. Component testing on a prototype started in October. In March 2017, the new Audi RS 5 DTM had its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.
The three Audi Sport teams, Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg, prepared the six race cars in recent weeks. Final functional checks and a quality inspection followed at Audi in Neuburg before the cars will be seen on the race track for the first time in free practice on Friday, May 5.
All three teams have been preparing with particular intensity for the new DTM pit stop format that allows only a total crew of eight mechanics, and just one impact wrench to be used on each side of the vehicle. In addition to precision, the mechanics, now having to run back and forth between the front and rear wheels, have to show sprinting skills.
To spectators, as well, this year’s DTM will offer numerous new features. One of them is the so-called “Pit View” allowing them to take a peek at the garages of individual DTM teams. For the first time, fans will have the opportunity – nearly all day long – to watch the mechanics at work. At the Hockenheim season opener, this dedicated area will be located between the garages of Audi Sport Teams Phoenix and Rosberg.
