Impressive debut for Audi R8 LMS DTM tests at Dijon-Prenois DTM presentation in Düsseldorf Further tests around the Nordschleife

Impressive debut for Audi R8 LMSADAC GT Masters: Although the Audi R8 LMS was reassessed and subsequently reclassified by the FIA governing body immediately before its first race in the ADAC GT Masters, and had to compete with less power, more weight, a narrower rear wing and increased ride-height as a result, the new GT3 sports car from AUDI AG made a strong impression on its debut at Oschersleben. In the first race three of the four competing R8 LMS finished in the points. Cesar Campanico and Nicolas Armindo (Team Rosberg), who started from the second row, even led the race before dropping back following a Stop-and-Go penalty awarded due to a mistake during the mandatory pit stop. Christian Abt (Team Abt Sportsline) was the star of the second race on Easter Monday: The former Audi factory driver fought through the field from tenth to third in his Audi R8 LMS. However, team mate Shane Williams gave away the podium finish with a trip into the gravel bed just before the end of the race. The most successful R8 duo was Michael Outzen and Henri Moser (Phoenix Racing) with fourth and fifth positions.DTM tests at Dijon-PrenoisDTM: The countdown for the 2009 DTM starts with the year’s first official DTM tests. From Tuesday to Thursday (April 14 to 16) the Audi Sport Teams Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg test on the French race track at Dijon-Prenois on which a DTM race is held for the first time this year. The 2009 Audi A4 DTM ("R14 plus") meets the latest C-Class from Mercedes-Benz for the first time. Audi aims to be the first automobile manufacturer this year to win Europe’s most popular touring car racing series for the third time in succession. Additional official test days are held between April 27 and 30 at the Hockenheimring before the 2009 season also starts at Hockenheim on May 17. DTM presentation in Düsseldorf DTM: The DTM presentation is held this coming Sunday in the sports city Düsseldorf for the fourth time in succession. Following a press conference starting at 11.00 a.m. in the "Meilenwerk" for accredited media representatives, in which Head of Audi Motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich and his nine factory drivers also participate, the public events starts at 1.00 p.m. on the Königsallee. Several Audi A4 DTM cars and also an Audi R8 LMS will be in action on the temporary closed track in the heart of Düsseldorf. Approximately 200,000 spectators were on the "Kö" last year. Further tests around the NordschleifeVLN: This coming Saturday Team Phoenix Racing completes another event, within the framework of the BFGoodrich Endurance Championship on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, with the endurance version of the Audi R8 LMS. At the wheel this time are Christian Abt, Marc Basseng and Frank Stippler. The latest FIA balance of performance is valid also for this race.Results and points standingsOschersleben (D), 12 April, ADAC GT Masters race 1 1 Hennerici/Ludwig (Chevrolet) 39 laps in 1h 01m 27.260s2 Bergmeister/Schmickler (Porsche) + 5.625s3 Hohenadel/Seiler (Chevrolet) + 5.940s4 Moser/Outzen (Audi R8 LMS) + 14.388s5 Lechner Jr./Nygaard (Ford) + 17.331s6 Campanico/Armindo (Audi R8 LMS) + 46.714s7 Abt/Williams (Audi R8 LMS) + 53.571s... 12 Yamamoto/Mayer (Audi R8 LMS) - 1 lap.Oschersleben (D), 13 April, ADAC GT Masters race 2 1 Ludwig/Hennerici (Chevrolet) 39 laps in 1h 01m 13.485s2 Schmickler/Bergmeister (Porsche) + 17.025s 3 Giermaziak/Kechele (Lamborghini) + 28.107s4 Nygaard/Lechner Jr. (Ford) + 29.250s5 Ouzten/Moser (Audi R8 LMS) + 33.254s6 Armindo/Campanico (Audi R8 LMS) + 40.201s...14 Mayer/Yamamoto (Audi R8 LMS) - 3 lapsStandings after 2 of 16 races: 1 Ludwig and Hennerici, 20 points; 3 Bergmeister and Schmickler, 16; 5 Nygaard, Lechner Jr., Moser and Outzen, 9; 13 Armindo and Campanico, 6; 15 Abt and Williams, 2.Next race: Assen (NL), May 9Coming up next weekDTM tests at Dijon-Prenois (Tuesday to Thursday) ... round 2 of the BFGoodrich Endurance Championship Nürburgring (Saturday) ... DTM presentation in Düsseldorf (Sunday)