The tyres were a little bit different in ’07 compared to previous years, and that definitely didn’t help me in qualifying where I struggled to really get the best out of them, but in race trim I was very quick. I know what I need to do in qualifying this year, and I think there’s a good chance of me putting both together.
Q:
Audi stole Mercedes’ thunder to a certain extent in 2007 by taking the title in the final round; how much of a challenge is it going to be to claim it back again from them this year?
JG:
Obviously the DTM is a very tough formula, and Audi and Mercedes are at war because there are no other manufacturers involved. You either win or you lose – second is irrelevant. It’s a tough and interesting battle, but I think our package is very good. At the end of last year we were much better than we had been at the beginning – at Hockenheim I won the race and got fastest lap, even though we were 10kg heavier than the Audis.
I think we finished the year with a very strong package, and I’ve got a lot of confidence in HWA and Mercedes to develop the car over the winter. This year we are carrying over what we learned last year, whereas ’07 was a fresh start in terms of the car shape and design. That was an extra challenge, but it’s one we don’t have to face in 2008. That will play into our hands, and with Audi having a new car hopefully it will all work out in our favour.
Q:
So finally, laying your cards on the table, what’s the aim for 2008?
JG:
To win the championship, definitely.
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![Mercedes' Jamie Green celebrates victory in the season finale at Hockenheim in 2008 - his second consecutive series success [pic credit: DTM Media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/410268.jpg)
