Abt tips Premat for title success

The former GP2 race-winner switched to the DTM for 2007, and he was set to win at Zandvoort in a one-year-old car until he slowed to hand victory to Martin Tomczyk.

Audi decided not to promote the Frenchman to a new car for 2008, but Abt, who has signed a contract with the manufacturer to work with its young drivers, is convinced that Premat will win the title in years to come.

"Alex is a fantastic driver, he showed very well last year," the 40-year-old told autosport.com. "He is very fast, but he also has a good spirit and a good character. For me, he is definitely a future champion."

The 40-year-old, who co-owns the Abt Sportsline team with his brother Hans-Jurgen, also defended Audi's decision to retain the same four drivers for their new cars in 2008, rather than promote Premat.

"If Audi are happy with the job done by the four guys then why should they change things?" he added. "They have made decisions like that in the past, and it makes sense.

"The four guys did well last year, they worked well together. They have a good team spirit with each other, and that helped us win the title last year."

Abt added that he was waiting to hear the names of the other drivers he would be working with through the season.

"I have heard some names, but the only two I know of so far are Alex (Premat) and Mike (Rockenfeller)," he added. "Through the year I will work with the drivers, and help them improve with the car, because these can be very difficult when you don't have the experience, but I have driven them for eight years."