Audi: New A4 can fight for title

DTM regulations stipulate that manufacturers can introduce a new body shape every three years and Ullrich, conscious of the time it took Mercedes to develop the 2007 C-Class challenger into a race winner, has said that Audi focussed on making the all-new A4 DTM, unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow, competitive from the outset.

"From what we have seen so far we are quite optimistic that the new A4 will be a very strong car," he told autosport.com.

"Everything has to be at the top and it has to be strong from the beginning. Because if you are not then it is difficult to go for the championship.

"To be on a high level from the beginning is a key factor, but we are sure we will learn things from the beginning and we will improve."

Audi gave the internally designated R14 a private roll-out at Paul Ricard before Christmas, but will give the car its first proper run at the official DTM test at Mugello on March 10-12.

Audi claims the A4 DTM, which takes obvious visual styling cues from the German manufacturer's new road-going counterpart, is an improvement in all areas over the 2007 car that took Mattias Ekstrom to his second series title.

According to Ullrich, particular attention was paid to maximising the A4 DTM's aerodynamics, as well as further reducing its centre of gravity and dry weight. Audi also says it has reduced internal friction in the car's 460bhp, four-litre V8 to improve its power and torque curve.

"We are convinced that we have achieved the most logical optimisation of the aerodynamics allowed within the framework of the regulations," said Ullrich.

"The new road going A4 has already won many international awards in a very short period of time," he added. "We aim to do these awards justice with the new DTM. We are convinced that the new Audi A4 is an excellent base for a successful DTM car."

Abt Sportsline will run four of the new A4 DTM cars in 2008 for reigning champion Ekstrom, Tom Kristensen, Timo Scheider and Martin Tomczyk.