read this earlier this morning on Endurance-Info - I shall mark 25 October to be in Hockenheim for his final race!!! After reading Ullrich's remarks, it makes one wonder what is in store for 2010. While the DTM gives the kickoff of its championship this weekend to Hockenheim, Tom Kristensen will take the departure of his ultimate season in the discipline. The Dane indeed announced that he will leave the series German at the end of 2009, to concentrate on his program in Endurance. Next October, it will leave after five years of good and faithful services: seven poles, sixteen podiums and three victories with Audi at the time to approach this springtide. "The decision was long to take, but it is final" underlines Mr Mans. "From now, I will start my engine freely and will fight for the title. My final sprint in DTM begins this weekend. " Behind this decision the will is hiding place to devote itself to its favorite discipline, the Endurance. "To divide the cockpit with others pilot, to work together to obtain the best set up and to fight for the victory over single circuits: it is quite simply the most beautiful thing for me" confirms besides Tom Kristensen, winner with eight the 24 Hours recoveries of Mans, should it be pointed out. "I had many discussions with Tom about his future and obviously I respect his decision to concentrate on his program in Protos" specify Dr. Ulrich. "When it leaves the championship, the DTM will lose a fast pilot, which is always candidate with the victory, but also a man very respected by his rivals and the fans. " Tom Kristensen has from now on ten meetings to conclude his course in DTM in beauty. If it continues on the 12 Hours dynamics of Sebring, that it gained with Allan McNish and Dindo Capello, that promises for its adversaries! Carol
"It's been a long process making this decision and now it's final," said Kristensen. "From now on, I'll be revving up my engine freely and fighting for the title once more. My personal final DTM spurt starts this weekend at Hockenheim. "The DTM has been a fantastic period in my career during which I experienced a lot of different things and worked together with great people." He admitted that Le Mans, which he has won a record eight times, is his major passion. "Sharing the cockpit with other drivers, working together to come up with the optimum set-up, and fighting for victory on a unique track - that's simply the greatest thing for me," said Kristensen. "That Audi gives me the opportunity to compete in two such different motorsport categories at the highest level is a big privilege which I greatly appreciate." Audi Motorsport boss Dr Wolfgang Ullrich said he understood Kristensen's desire to focus on Le Mans. "I've had many discussions with Tom about his future and of course respect his decision to fully concentrate on sports cars," said Ullrich. "When he leaves, the DTM will not only lose a fast racer who is always a candidate for victory, but also a great sportsman who is highly respected by both rivals and fans because of his fair conduct and friendly nature."
the "loosely" translated site does leave a bit to be desired! the "official" Audi release is in English! Carol
Yes the gurgle translation had my head spinning. Doesn't really give us much insight into the reasons behind the decision. Can't quite see how much not running DTM next year aids his Le Mans campaign in '10. Surely it would apply equally this year unless, the only thought that pops up, theres a change in who he's likely to be driving for in '10? Can't see Audi dropping out of Le Mans itself next season or very unlikely. So a bit confused by it all, myself.
The actual Audi press release is definitely easier on the brain. (my first "computer stop" in the am is the googley translated version of endurance-info, what a way to start your day!) Add this tidbit to the state of confusion - in an Autoweek brief we got via email on the same day I read about TK's last DTM season, VW is reported to revive AutoUnion - wonder what that means (if anything)? May 2010 is the Historics in Monaco - purely wild speculation on the AutoUnion car actually running in class rather than exhibition again?? Did you read "Murphy The Bear" suggestion that Audi will race in 2010 but not in the US? He's a given name for Audi, sure would be hard to see him driving for anyone else but look at the names at Peugeot. I've got it!! Audi will really run the R8LMS in GT2 in 2010 ! ! (actually, may not be so far-fetched). OR - will TK drive for Porsche in LMP1 in 2010?? (he states that he will continue in prototypes) Any other wild speculations?? Carol
