Martin Tomczyk (Schaeffler Audi A4 DTM) was crowned the new DTM champion with the Hockenheim event still to go. In the ninth DTM season round at the ‘Circuit Ricardo Tormo’ known better as the Valencia, in Spain, the German wrapped up an early title in what is considered the most popular international touring car series. Only 29 years old, finishing third was enough for Martin to gain a 13-point advantage over his title rival, Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz). Audi driver Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi A4 DTM) took the first place in this round. Having started from pole position, the Swede crossed the finish line as the winner after 45 laps. In second place, Portuguese Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A4 DTM) secured his best DTM result to date. In fourth place, Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi A4 DTM) completed the success for the brand from Ingolstadt. Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz) was classified seventh.
Martin Tomczyk after the race : “It’s hard to find words for my emotions. It’s definitely a very nice feeling to be DTM Champion. You’ve got to have achieved it first before you can realize that that’s what you are. Eleven years of DTM with lots of ups and downs, and in the eleventh year, together with Team Phoenix, I’ve managed to become champion. It’s been a fantastic season and real fun to drive this car and to work together with this team. Not only I have earned this title but also, first and foremost, Audi Sport Team Phoenix. But Abt and Rosberg, too, have their share in this overall Audi performance. I think we deserve a couple of parties now.”
Martin Tomczyk driving the 2008 spec Audi A4 DTM is now the first driver to win the championship with an older generation car and is also the only driver to score points in all 9 races.
“I extend warm congratulations to Martin Tomczyk, his team and the entire Audi squad on this outstanding achievement. The fans experience captivating duels at the highest sporting level and in Martin an absolutely deserving champion of the 2011 season,” says Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG . “After the triumph at the Le Mans 24 Hours and numerous other victories this title is already crowning a successful Audi motorsport year now.”