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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."
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