“Starting with the completely newly-developed Audi A4 DTM after the winter break was a difficult task,” reflected Scheider. “Nobody would have expected us to strike like this on a circuit that used to be Mercedes territory. I want to really thank Audi and the Abt squad for this brilliant feat. They laid the foundation for what we achieved today.
“Except for my start, my race was perfect. I had a bit too much wheelspin – that's why Mattias passed me. I wasn't able to follow him too closely because my car would have had more understeer in that case.
“The car was good enough for winning the race. I think my team and I are strong enough to fight for podium places and also victories on numerous other occasions this year.”
“That was a superb race,” agreed Kristensen. “Having started from fifth position on the grid, it was clear to me that I'd have to fight in a Mercedes sandwich. My crew had a good strategy and performed an excellent pit-stop.
“When I left the pit-lane, I fought for half a lap with Bruno Spengler before I was able to get away, but my two team-mates were already too far away at that point so that I took it easier, something I've never done before in the DTM. Places one to three on our rival's home circuit – that's a great feeling.”
Tomczyk almost made Audi's day complete, crossing the line a scant four tenths of a second behind Spengler and less than two seconds adrift of the final podium spot. The German – who finished third in the title standings last year, just ten points shy of glory in the final reckoning – slipped back to ninth place at the start, but made good progress throughout the race and attempted a last-ditch manoeuvre to get past his Mercedes rival on the penultimate tour, only to out-brake himself, lock up and briefly go off-track.
“My race was good even though it didn't start well,” the 25-year-old mused afterwards. I lost a few places at the start, but the car had a great set-up and was running very well over the whole distance.
![Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline star Mattias Ekstrom celebrates victory in the 2008 DTM season-opener at Hockenheim [pic credit: DTM Media]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/428437.jpg)
