Hamburg to host 2005 launch

The new season cars and drivers will be presented to the public and media in a makeshift DTM paddock at the city hall, and demonstration runs will be staged on the roads around the River Alster. The free event takes place on April 5.

"Last year Hamburg was a fantastic host, with more than 15,000 enthusiastic fans celebrating a great season kick-off with us," said Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of DTM organisers ITR. "We will inspire the enthusiasts with spectacular activities."

Hamburg's mayor Ole von Beust was delighted to have convinced the DTM organisers to come back to his city.

"Hamburg is proud of the fact that the DTM is again going to celebrate its 2005 launch event in Hamburg," said von Beust. "Last year, the citizens of Hamburg welcomed the DTM in enthusiastic style, proving our city's enthusiasm for sport. Thanks to this event, Hamburg is once again the focus of the sporting world."

The 2005 DTM commences at Hockenheim on April 17, with international interest in the series higher than ever after double world champion Mika Hakkinen's decision to make his motor racing comeback with the AMG Mercedes team. Le Mans winner and ex-Toyota Formula 1 driver Allan McNish and Formula 3 Euroseries champion Jamie Green are among the other big name additions to the championship's line-up.