The red-black Playboy livery in which youngster Nico Muller will showcase on the 2017 DTM grid was not the only feature to attract attention during the tests. In Italy, Audi also premiered the homologated bodywork of the third generation RS5 DTM, which, compared with the variant shown in Geneva, sports additional, innovative detailed solutions.
Mattias Ekstrom, the most successful Audi DTM campaigner of all time with 22 victories and two championship titles under his belt, drove the car in its maiden outing. The Swede reeled off no less than 760km in the process. "An impressive number for a new car," said Ekstrom. "We tried out a lot of different things - short stints, long runs, qualifying simulations and many different set-up variants. The new DTM cars are definitely more demanding in terms of driving skills. Plus, finding a perfect set-up compromise for the softer tires and the changed aerodynamics is a great challenge. The season is going to be packed with excitement for sure!"
On Wednesday, Jamie Green took over the cockpit. The Brit, on completing 682km, covered a similarly impressive distance as Ekstrom had the day before. The third and final test day was completed by Ekstrom. Following a total of 2,121 test kilometers in the new Audi RS5 DTM, the Audi drivers are now even more excited about the season opener at Hockenheim on 6th and 7th May. Prior to the first race, a final DTM test is scheduled from 3rd to 6th April at Hockenheim.
