"After things had been going very well during the free practice session, I was aiming to be part of the super pole. This has worked out, and that’s why I’m satisfied. The super pole lap itself was not as I’d expected it to be. I made a mistake, braking in turn 2. Nevertheless, after Hockenheim and Estoril, starting from position ten is definitely a clear step ahead."

10th place, "Super Pole", 1m 12.410s

Frank Biela (Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest / Audi A4 DTM #45)

"Even though this has been the worst result I’ve scored in DTM qualifying sessions so far, I’m satisfied with the car. I was braking too cautiously during the super pole lap, which made me lose one tenth of a second compared to my qualifying time. And one tenth, here, means at least one row on the grid."

7th place, "Super Pole", 1m 11.526s

Tom Kristensen (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline / Audi A4 DTM #12)

"I’m satisfied with my time in the super pole run, because it was the best time I clocked during the whole weekend. But I’d certainly have wished for a place in the second row in order to be able to fight in the race from the very front. Now, I need to get off to a good start. Scoring more points is my goal for this race."

5th place, "Super Pole", 1m 11.499s

Martin Tomczyk (Audi Sport Team Abt / Audi A4 DTM #6)

"My Audi A4 was brilliant right from the start. This pole position is especially important, because overtaking is so difficult at Adria. That’s why I wasn’t too happy when my I saw my first split time during the super pole lap. I was simply too careful at the first two braking points. Fortunately, I managed to catch up again. The race will be tough, particularly when I look at the starting grid. But I won’t be as easy on my friends from Mercedes as I was at Estoril."

1st place, "Super Pole", 1m 11.342s

Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt / Audi A4 DTM #5)

Quotes after qualifying

In the third race of the 2004 DTM, the Audi A4 DTM is yet again the number one challenger. In today’s thrilling qualifying session at Adria International Raceway near Venice (Italy), Mattias Ekström clinched the second pole in a row for Audi. Two weeks ago, at Estoril, the Swede had won the ‘super pole’ single timed lap as well. Three other Audi drivers, Martin Tomczyk, Tom Kristensen and, for the first time, Frank Biela, managed to move up into the top ten. Christian Abt and Emanuele Pirro will be starting from positions 13 and 16 on Sunday.