* Touring car series visits Munich's Olympic Stadium * Races featuring knockout format to be held on two days * Audi drivers Albuquerque and Ekström with experienceadvantage

 Show event instead of summer break.

On July 16and 17 racing fans can experience a highly special spectacle that has neverexisted like this before: At Munich's Olympic stadium the DTM stars fromAudi will compete against their rivals from Mercedes-Benz - in racesfeaturing a knockout format and in their original cars from the current DTMseason.

At the venue where the soccer teams of FC Bayern München and 1860 Münchenheld their home matches in the German "Bundesliga" until 2005 and thathosted the Olympic Summer Games in 1972 the roaring sounds of the near470-hp V8 engines of the DTM race cars will be heard for the first time. ForMartin Tomczyk, Timo Scheider & company the eagerly awaited DTM debut inMunich will not (yet) be about scoring championship points. But theirambition to win the prestigious race in front of their home audience ishigh.

The track that has been built at Munich's Olympic stadium during the pastfew months is exactly 1.192 kilometers long. In April the grass was removedand the whole interior of the stadium covered with tarmac. At the beginningof June Audi racer Filipe Albuquerque at the wheel of the Audi A4 DTM hadthe opportunity to explore the circuit which at the time was stillprovisionally marked by traffic cones.

There was a good reason why one of the three rookies from Audi's current DTMsquad was chosen to do the reconnaissance run: Last year the Portuguese hadwon the "Race of Champions" in Düsseldorf that is also held at a sportsarena and organized by the former Audi factory driver Michèle Mouton. InDüsseldorf Albuquerque defeated Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel,among others.

Another racer from Audi's ranks has even won the "Race of Champions" threetimes: In 2006 Mattias Ekström triumphed at the Stade de France in Paris, in2007 at London's Wembley Stadium and in 2009 at the "Bird's Nest" in Beijingwhere he defeated Michael Schumacher at the finale. That is why Albuquerqueand Ekström know exactly what the fans can look forward to.

The DTM race in Munich, however, differs from the "Race of Champions" inmany respects. In Munich the drivers are not racing on two separate tracksbut on one and the same circuit. The start and finish are directly next toeach other in the opposite direction so that the spectators can clearly seewho is running in front at the end of each semi-lap.

In addition, the DTM stars will not be driving cars that have beendetermined by the drawing of lots but their own DTM race cars. And, last butnot least, one pit stop, respectively, which must be performed by a maximumof six mechanics, is prescribed as of the quarter-final runs.Therefore, in addition to the driving skills on the shortest and mostwinding race track in DTM history, the swift work of the pit crews will becrucial. This is not a disadvantage for Audi at all. At four of the fivefirst races of the season Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline performed thequickest pit stop for which tire partner Hankook always presents the winningcrew with an award.It is clear though that aerodynamics and top speed - two fortes of thecurrent Audi A4 DTM - will play no role at the Olympic Stadium. On themeandering track in Munich traction and good turn-in behavior will beparticularly important.At two free practice sessions on Friday the Audi drivers will have time tofind the optimum setup for their cars. On Saturday the "race of marques"will be on the agenda at which the drivers of one brand will first competeagainst each other. Then, at the finale, the best Audi and the best Mercedesdriver will determine the day's winner at two rounds.On Sunday the best eight drivers of each brand are eligible to run. As ofthe eighth-final Audi will be pitted against Mercedes-Benz in a knockoutformat.

The fans will get to see 16 of three to five laps each per day. In addition,there will be a prologue on Saturday and a half-hour warm-up on Sunday. Anextensive supporting program will be offered as well - includingcommentaries by Atze Schröder and live music acts by Mando Diao, The Rattlesand Kensingten Road. Tickets for the stands start selling at 29 euros.ARD's live broadcast on "Das Erste" on Sunday (July 17) will start with thequarter-final at 2 p.m. (local time). On Saturday ARD will also air one anda half hours of live coverage from Munich.Quotes by the officialsDr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): "It's great that we canperform a show event in Munich with the DTM and in partnership with ARD. I'mconvinced that we'll be able to win fans there that otherwise might not goto watch a DTM race. Even though Munich is not about scoring points for thechampionship it's an important event for Audi that we're taking veryseriously and at which we want to present our brand well. I hope that manyspectators will turn out to enjoy the DTM and its extensive supportingprogram."Hans-Jürgen Abt (Team Director Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline): "Munich isvery special for us. We've got many fans. We're inviting all employees ofAbt Sportsline to join us there so that they can experience their race teamlive again for a change. Of course we're hoping for a lot of action to begenerated at this sports arena. The crowd there is said to be outstanding,and that also goes for the noise level. It'll no doubt be an interestingmatch."Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): "Everything is new forus. We've never fought such a duel and aren't sure yet what to expect there- how we'll have to set up our cars, how the tires will work on such a shorttrack and how we'll keep them warm. There are many question marks.Everyone's starting from scratch. I suppose that those who can adjust fasterthan their rivals will be in front."Arno Zensen (Team Director Audi Sport Team Rosberg): "I've been active inmotorsport for 35 years but Munich will be very special. We've never racedat an Olympic stadium. There will probably be a large crowd. We're arrivingwith two rookies, although Filipe Albuquerque has already won the Race ofChampions. I'm expecting quite a bit of him in Munich. After all, he'salready defeated Sébastien Loeb, Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher atthe Race of Champions, so he's got a lot going for him."Facts and quotes by the Audi driversFilipe Albuquerque (26/P), TV Movie Audi A4 DTM #18 (Audi Sport TeamRosberg)- Travels to the sports arena event as the current winner of the Race ofChampions "When I tested in Munich it was difficult to make out thesubsequent track layout as I was only driving on an area of tarmac betweentraffic cones. The stadium is huge and very nice. A large crowd fits in it.Bruno Spengler and I familiarized ourselves with the planned safety gaps andradii of the corners. In the meantime concrete barriers have been erected atthe places where the traffic cones were during the test. Now we'll probablybe braking two or three meters earlier ... But that's perfectly normal assuch tracks don't forgive any mistakes. The most important thing is that thespectators will enjoy it and can watch the cars well. We'll probably also bedoing many donuts."Mattias Ekström (32/S), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #8 (Audi Sport Team AbtSportsline)- As a three-time winner of the Race of Champions, is familiar with stadiumevents- Will celebrate his 33rd birthday shortly before the event "To win inMunich you need a good set-up. Only then can you drive without makingmistakes. If you're successful on the first day then you'll also cover thelongest distance. So the first heats are the most important ones. That makesthe second day successful too. I'm looking forward to the event."Rahel Frey (25/CH), Glamour Audi A4 DTM #15 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)- Has achieved a one hundred percent rate of finishes in the DTM "We're allvery excited about going to Munich because it'll be a head-to-head racebetween two contenders. That'll be a very close situation. The difficulty isto get the brakes and tires to work well in such a short time. Thatincreases the risk of making a mistake. It'll be a great challenge for thedrivers. And also for the spectators who are really eager to see this. It'llbe a tremendous spectacle."Oliver Jarvis (27/GB), Audi Sport performance cars A4 DTM #5 (Audi SportTeam Abt)- With a third-place finish at Spielberg achieved his best result of theseason "Although I don't really have an idea yet of what we'll be in forthere I'm already looking forward to running in Munich. Naturally, I'vetalked with some of the other drivers who have previously contested the Raceof Champions, which is quite similar. It'll probably be good fun and aspectacular event for the fans. And of course it's nice to be racing soclose to Audi's headquarters. And the Olympic Stadium is very specialanyway. The fans can get very close to the cars. That'll be a fantasticshow."Miguel Molina (22/E), Red Bull Audi A4 DTM #22 (Audi Sport Team Abt Junior)- Was the best DTM rookie in 2010- Has not scored any points in the first half of the 2011 season "This willbe an entertaining race format for sure. I've never run at such an eventbefore. I want to enjoy it. But obviously we also want to show a goodsporting performance and experience a successful race weekend."Edoardo Mortara (24/I/F), Playboy Audi A4 DTM #19 (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)- After the first half of the season is the DTM rookie with the highestpoint score "I've got no plan as to what to expect there. How exactly thetrack at the Olympic Stadium will have to be driven and what lines will workthere I don't know yet. But I'm absolutely sure that it'll be a nice eventfor the people in front of their TV sets and on location. I hope that we'llbe able to offer them a nice show for their money and that there'll be noaccidents."Mike Rockenfeller (27/D), E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM #9 (Audi Sport Team AbtSportsline)- Returned to the DTM at the Norisring and is completely fit again "We'll nodoubt have a lot of fun. I'm eager to see what it's like to drive on thetrack in a DTM car. For the people in the stadium the sound will befantastic for sure. I'm looking forward to it. It'll be a relaxed, uniqueatmosphere. Still, we're ambitious too. We want to win even though I'venever done anything like this before. I'll let myself be surprised and willtry to prepare as best I can."Timo Scheider (32/D), AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM #4 (Audi Sport Team Abt)- In third place of the standings is the best driver of a current A4 DTMthis season- Is one of just four drivers who have scored points at every round in 2011"I'm particularly looking forward to Munich because this will be a veryspecial event at this arena - and I believe that such concepts have goodprospects for the future. It'll be a totally different event from anythingwe've ever had. I like the idea of going to the fans in the middle of thecity. I have a bit of stadium experience from the Stockcar Crash Challengeand other events where you drive in the middle of 40,000, 50,000 or 60,000spectators. I hope that we can bring a little of this stadium atmospherethat everyone knows from soccer into the DTM as well. Then we'll be seeingdrivers in high spirits who may go beyond the limit. Although there'll be nopoints, everyone wants to win. We'll probably be seeing spectacular sceneswith donuts and all the trimmings. We don't know exactly what to expect butwe're incredibly excited and I'm hoping to be the one to start the firstMexican wave in the stands."Martin Tomczyk (29/D), Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM #14 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)- Celebrated his 20th podium position in the DTM in Nuremberg- As the runner-up after the first half of the season is the best Audidriver "I'm happy that in Munich the Olympic Stadium was selected as thevenue. That'll be a fantastic thing! Especially because it's a new raceformat. The knockout system has already acquired a certain prestige in thepaddock. I haven't met anyone yet who's not looking forward to it. Drivingat the Olympic Stadium like in a bowl is a fascinating situation. And thefact that it's in my native Bavaria makes it even better."The Audi drivers in the 2011 DTMFilipe Albuquerque (P): * Jun 13, 1985 in Coimbra (P); residence: Coimbra(P) single; height: 1.74 m; weight: 64 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTMraces: 5; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 8th place); fastestlaps: 0; points: 1; DTM titles: 0.Mattias Ekström (S): * Jul 14, 1978 in Falun (S); residence: Salenstein(CH); single (partner Heidi), one son (Mats); height: 1.83 m; weight: 77 kg;Audi driver since 1999; DTM races: 109; pole positions: 16; victories: 14;fastest laps: 11; points: 493; DTM titles: 2 (2004, 2007).Rahel Frey (CH): * Feb 23, 1986 in Niederbipp (CH); residence:Aedermannsdorf (CH); single; height: 1.63 m; weight: 50 kg; Audi driversince 2011; DTM races: 5; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 15thplace) fastest laps: 0; points: 0; DTM titles: 0.Oliver Jarvis (GB): * Jan 09, 1984 in Burwell (GB); residence: Ermatingen(CH); single; height: 1.80 m; weight: 70 kg; Audi driver since 2008; DTMraces: 37; pole positions: 1; victories: 0 (best result: 2nd place); fastestlaps: 0; points: 51; DTM titles: 0.Miguel Molina (E): * Feb 17, 1989 in Girona (E); residence: Lloret de Mar(E); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 62 kg; Audi driver since 2010; DTMraces: 16; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 4th place); fastestlaps: 1; points: 15; DTM titles: 0.Edoardo Mortara (I/F): * Jan 12, 1987 in Geneva (CH); residence: Geneva(CH); single; height: 1.82 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driver since 2011; DTMraces: 5; pole positions: 0; victories: 0 (best result: 5th place); fastestlaps: 0; points: 7; DTM titles: 0.Mike Rockenfeller (D): * Oct 31, 1983 in Neuwied (D); residence: Altnau(CH); single; height: 1.75 m; weight: 67 kg; Audi driver since 2007; DTMraces: 46; pole positions: 0; victories: 1; fastest laps: 2; points: 57; DTMtitles: 0.Timo Scheider (D): * Nov 11, 1978 in Lahnstein (D); residence: Lochau (A);single (partner Jessica), one son (Loris); height: 1.78 m; weight: 74 kg;Audi driver since 2006; DTM races: 114; pole positions: 9; victories: 6;fastest laps: 7; points: 343; DTM titles: 2 (2008, 2009).Martin Tomczyk (D): * Dec 07, 1981 in Rosenheim (D); residence: Aesch/Basel(CH); single (partner Christina); height: 1.88 m; weight: 75 kg; Audi driversince 2001; DTM races: 108; pole positions: 8; victories: 6; fastest laps:5; points: 285; DTM titles: 0.2011 DTM point standings

1 Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) 39 points2 Martin Tomczyk (Audi A4 DTM) 36 points3 Timo Scheider (Audi A4 DTM) 24 points4 Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) 21 points5 Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) 17 points6 Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A4 DTM) 14 points7 Mattias Ekström (Audi A4 DTM) 11 points8 Oliver Jarvis (Audi A4 DTM) 10 points9 Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) 9 points10 Edoardo Mortara (Audi A4 DTM) 7 points11 Maro Engel (Mercedes-Benz) 3 points12 Tom Kristensen (Audi A4 DTM) 2 points13 David Coulthard (Mercedes-Benz) 1 point14 Filipe Albuquerque (Audi A4 DTM) 1 point2011 DTM season interim statisticsVictories: Mercedes-Benz 2; Audi 3Pole positions: Mercedes-Benz 4; Audi 1Fastest laps: Mercedes-Benz 3; Audi 2Leading laps: Mercedes-Benz 135; Audi 98Audi DTM statisticsPole positions: 59Victories: 57Fastest laps: 49Champion's titles: 7 (1990, 1991, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009)TimetableSaturday, July 1610:35-11:45 Race of Marques, prologue (3 laps)13:10-14:05 Race of Marques, eighth-final (3 laps) 14:20-14:50 Race ofMarques, quarter-final (4 laps) 17:15-17:30 Race of Marques, semi-final (4laps) 17:35-17:50 Race of Marques, final (2 rounds of 5 laps each)Sunday, July 1710:00-10:30 Warm-up12:45-13:35 Eighth-final (3 laps)13:55-14:25 Quarter-final (4 laps)14:35-14:50 Semi-final (4 laps)15:00-15:15 Final (2 rounds of 5 laps each)TV schedule (ARD live)Saturday, July 1613:30-15:00 Uhr Race of MarquesSunday, July 1714:00-15:25 Race