Wendlinger signs for Abt DTM

[pink69]

Former Grand Prix racer Karl Wendlinger has signed to race a fifth Abt Sportsline Audi TT-R in next year's DTM.

The 32-year-old ex-Sauber and March driver will line up alongside 2001 drivers Laurent Aiello, Christian Abt, Mattias Ekstrom and Martin Tomczyk, as the Kempten-based tuning concern takes on works teams Mercedes and Opel next year.

"Last season, we succeeded a few times in annoying our competitors, and we even scored two race wins," said team principal Hans-Jurgen Abt. "Now, we really want to go for it and see what can still be done. Karl is a driver who is highly experienced and has a lot of speed. Furthermore, with his amiable and open personality, he fits perfectly into our team."

Wendlinger is no stranger to touring cars, having raced an Audi A4 in Germany and Italy in 1996 and '97. He has most recently drove in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and in the German silhouette V8STAR championship.

"I know the Abt-guys from the Super-Tourenwagen Cup as an easy-going and good team," said Wendlinger. "With its fast cars and three participating makes, the DTM is a great challenge for me. I want to show a good performance and be competitive as soon as possible."

Another big name for the DTM. going from strength to strength, but really needs to gain more manufactures.

[Simon Pullan]

I was pleased to hear this because I think that Karl can help Abt to push themselves closer to the mercs. Nurburgring this year was a bit flattering really. They weren't that close.

[gomick]

thats great news - the more audis, the more chances of mercedes getting beaten ..... hope opel are on the money in 2002 - is menu still driving one, heard he might head down under for a v8 supercar drive