Audi Confirms 2011 DTM Lineup, 3 Rookies Included

Audi confirmed its new DTM lineup for the 2011 campaign earlier today, and there are some pretty interesting names that will make the grid this year.

First off, we'll start with a promotion, as Mike Rockenfeller has been named new works driver for the German manufacturer after having spent 4 years driving an old-spec A4 in the championship. He will therefore team up with double champions Timo Scheider and Mattias Ekstrom, as well as Oliver Jarvis and Miguel Molina, for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline in 2011.

What this means is that Martin Tomczyk will move from driving a new Audi A4 DTM to competing on a one-year old spec machine for Audi Sport Team Phoenix this year, alongside newcomer Rahel Frey. Making the step into the DTM from the German Formula 3 Cup, Frey's career includes a win in the aforementioned series (in 2009), as well as a participation in the Le Mans 24 Hour race.

Finally, the Audi Sport Team Rosberg team this year will be comprised of two rookies, namely recent winner of the Race of Champions, Filipe Albuquerque and reigning Formula 3 Euro Series champion Edoardo Mortara.

“The last DTM season did not run according to plan for Audi,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich when announcing the changes in his team's lineup.

“Which is why we tried over the winter to improve in every area - this also includes the driving squad. I see it as a chance for Martin Tomczyk that he races in an older car and in a team other than Abt Sportsline for the first time.”

“British race drivers Jamie Green and Gary Paffett are examples of the fact that you can certainly win races with a last year’s car and give his career new impetus.”