Interview with DTM boss Aufrecht

The DTM's profile has undoubtedly been raised by former Grand Prix drivers in recent years, with Jean Alesi and Heinz-Harald Frentzen also making the series their home on departing F1.

Speaking exclusively to Autosport, series boss Hans Werner Aufrecht revealed that he would love Schumacher to continue that trend, but maintains that the DTM is strong enough not to have to rely on big name drivers.

Q. How important is it for the DTM to have someone with the profile of Ralf Schumacher in the series?

Hans Werner Aufrecht: The quality of the sport always has to be the number one priority. If that isn't good, the spectators won't be happy no matter what else they are provided with. But should this be achieved, and the grid also happens to feature renowned names such as Hakkinen, Alesi and Frentzen, then you've got a perfect mix of great sport and big names.

Apart from his brother, Ralf is the most successful German Grand Prix driver. He has got a lot of experience under his belt and has a massive appeal to the fans. Ralf would represent an asset for DTM or any other series, but I think DTM would be the best choice for him.

Q. What do you believe Ralf offers the DTM and do you hope he gets a drive for 2008?

HWA: He would bring outstanding driving skills, a great character, massive experience and a lot of enthusiasm from the DTM supporters. Quite obviously he enjoyed his test a lot, and of course I would be delighted to see Ralf on the 2008 DTM grid.

Q. Does the retirement of Mika Hakkinen cause a problem for the series, without any big name ex-F1 drivers?

HWA: Mika gave DTM a lot, and the same applies to Jean and Heinz-Harald. It was nice to have them with us but it was clear that there would be a time when they chose to retire.

If the retirement of a driver represents a problem for a series then you have made a mistake somewhere - the sport has to be good regardless of the names. Do you believe a two-time F1 world champion would have entered DTM if it wasn't already a significant series in motorsport?

Q. Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug says that the series is strong enough now that it does not need to sign drivers just for their names. Do you agree?

HWA: Yes. As I just said, should a series need a star to be successful, there's something wrong with the basis of it. If the basis isn't healthy, the series won't have a long-term success. It's a situation you can compare with building a house: if it's standing on poor foundations it will fall down, no matter how beautiful the interior is.

Q. How strong do you feel the DTM is at the moment?

HWA: Despite the problems experienced last year, the spectators witnessed a thrilling battle between Audi and Mercedes-Benz, lasting up to the season finale. It was the first time since the re-creation of DTM, back in 2000 that three drivers had the chance of securing the title up to the final round - and two of them even up to the final corner.

In consideration of the Hockenheim crowds' enthusiasm, and taking a look at the advance booking figures for 2008, you can say that DTM has got a truly healthy basis.

Still, we have to keep on developing and enhancing DTM consistently - and that's what my colleagues and I are working on day by day. It's the same situation as everywhere else in the sport: if you don't go forward, you go backwards.