Aiello aims to topple Merc at the 'Ring

Audi ace Aiello beat Mercedes-Benz star Bernd Schneider to the title last year, but has yet to record a victory this season. His past form at the Nurburgring has been exemplary, however, and a win would boost him into title contention this time around.

"This year, I am only racing for the title," said Aiello. "Things aren't looking that bad at all, because at the top, we are all very close together. Maybe I will succeed in cracking the double lead for Mercedes at the Nurburgring. After all, I never left this place without a trophy in the past two years."

Opel is also looking to build on its solid, if unspectacular, start to the season. Scotland's Peter Dumbreck, who joined from Mercedes in the winter, has led its charge in both races so far, and hopes to get closer to the ultimate pace at the Nurburgring this weekend.

"So far, I've not been very lucky on the Nurburgring, but I want to change that with Opel," said Dumbreck. "The circuit offers a little bit of everything, slow and fast chicanes, all sorts of cornering radii. As always, it's important to work out a good vehicle balance. Also, what counts on this demanding circuit is the right rhythm you have to find as a driver."