DTM machines ready to roar in Shanghai
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-13 06:45

Audi, a global auto production giant from Germany, has already achieved success in China's leisure touring car market.

And at the weekend, the company is looking for further success - this time around a 2.85-kilometre circuit in Shanghai.

The DTM (German Touring Car Masters) race, Europe's most popular and high-class touring car series, will be staged in the city's Pudong District on Saturday and Sunday.

It will be an opportunity for spectators to witness street-legal cars powering around tall buildings. The circuit passes in front of the 88 floor, 468-metre high Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

The Audi drivers, as well as those in Mercedes-Benz and Opel, will take part in the invitational event.

"With the street circuit, motor racing fans will be able to get close to the action," said Wolfgang Knoll, Audi's marketing manager.

"Although F1 (Formula One) is the most popular event in Europe, the DTM attracts the second-largest numbers of spectators of all racing events.

"Last year, the DTM registered a 16.4 per cent increase in spectators while on average some 65,000 visitor came to each race weekend."

According to organizers, the Shanghai event, which will not have any championship points up for grabs,is expected to attract 40,000 spectators.

The intimate car-fan relationship of DTM is one of the biggest reasons why the class is attracting more fans and starting its Asian foray in China.

"DTM is different to F1 because our cars are based on manufactures' best sellers, while F1 cars are designed completely for competition," Knoll said. "People get excited to see their own car model on the track racing."

Audi will put its A4, the best selling model in Germany and also one of the most popular models in China, out on the track.

Mercedes-Benz will race its new AMG-Mercedes C-class on the Shanghai street circuit while the Opel Vectra GTS V8 will also be going around.

The three companies are looking forward to much success in China.

"The race in Shanghai is very important for us as the Audi brand is very well known in China. That is where our largest growth market is," said Doctor Wolfgang Ullrich, director of Audi Motor Sport.

DTM features reasonably low ticket prices. It will cost 600 yuan (US$72.5) to 1,500 yuan (US$181) for two day's of competition, which includes Saturday's qualifying competition and the final on Sunday.

In addition, an extensive show programme around the racing ensures the best entertainment for all family members.

"The DTM is a touring car series recognized throughout the world with a very high level of prestige," said Shi Tianshu, president of the Chinese Automobile Federation.

"I have seen from watching the Norisring event(the recently completed DTM event in Germany) that the DTM not only offers attractive motor sports but is also an eventful weekend for young and old.

"As the racing will be in the centre of the city, it will be sure to boost Shanghai's tourism by showing its beautiful scenery to people from around the world."

According to Shi, Shanghai will organize a number of cultural activities around the track to make sure the event becomes one big party.

Spectators will have the chance to get autographs and speak to the drivers, enjoy a concert, see a car display and even drive the cars on the track.

Audi aiming high

The Audi team, which won the DTM with V8 quattro on a number of occasions a decade ago, is expecting to make an outstanding and successful return.

"Audi was the most successful touring car in the world as it won seven races in the 1996 season alone," Wolfgang said.

Part of the manufacturer's confidence comes from the return of the A4. From 1995-99, the A4 quattro was the most successful touring car in the world.

This time in Shanghai, it is biding to showcase the excellent performances of A4 to Chinese fans.

"It will be the first European series in Shanghai, which is a big step for the DTM, " said Knoll.

"It is very important for us and we will put on a good show for Chinese fans."

Close

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Dongshan military drill to unveil this month         Foreign trade soars back in the black         China opposes US report on Tibet issue         China expects first ever farmer protection law         Power shortage: Industries to shift hours         Chemical on DuPont pans to be tested	Venezuela eliminated, Bolivia in danger       Venezuela to host 2007 Copa America       Yao leads China's winning ways       Hansen sets record at US Olympic Swim Trials       Brazil rout Costa Rica 4-1; Paraguay, Chile draw       Brazil upset China to win World GP in Chinese Taipei