Kempten, 28 May, 2003
25.947 kilometre track length, 210 teams, more than 600 drivers, 2,000
volunteers and approximately 150,000 spectators – the Nürburgring 24
Hour Race is considered the race of superlatives on the world’s longest
and most demanding circuit. Two Abt Audi TT-R’s, entered by Team Abt
Sportsline with support from quattro GmbH, will contest the 31st running of
the long distance classic on 31 May / 1 June.
The touring cars, with circa 500 hp, are based on the successful DTM car
with which Audi driver Laurent Aiello won the DTM title in 2002. Both
racecars were modified to suit the specific requirements of the
Nürburgring-Nordschleife, and those of an endurance race, with support of
the Audi Sport Customer Department. The high-calibre seven-man driver
team is made up of Christian Abt, Frank Biela, Mattias Ekström, Kris
Nissen, Martin Tomczyk, Karl Wendlinger and Marco Werner.
“There is hardly a more fascinating touring car race”, explained Werner
Frowein, manager of quattro GmbH. “We are very pleased to be starting the
race with such a strong team.” The sporting subsidiary of AUDI AG was a
partner of last years 24-hour race and will again supply “Official Cars” for
the big motorsport event – including three 450 hp Audi RS 6’s that will be
used by the stewards of the meeting as course cars.
Former Winners Niki Lauda, Hans-Joachim Stuck and Emanuele Pirro
The Nürburgring 24 Hour Race was held for the first time in 1970. Since
then motorsport legends such as Niki Lauda, Hans-Joachim Stuck and
Emanuele Pirro have added their names to the winners’ roll of honour. The
circuit layout of the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife, with its 33 left and
40 right hand corners, has remained almost unchanged. Around the “Green
Hell”, as the Nordschleife is ‘affectionately’ known, driver skill counts for
more than on any other race circuit. “The Nordschleife is my absolute
favourite, and a massive challenge for every racing driver”, enthused
Christian Abt.
Not only the circuit itself is challenging: 210 Touring and GT cars of various
classes are authorised to start. For the quickest, the race resembles a
roller coaster slalom ride with countless overtaking manoeuvres. The
slightest distraction can lead to a collision and, as a result, retirement. Also,
the weather often plays a decisive role – weather conditions can even
change during a lap.
Not only man, but also particularly the machine is stressed to breaking
point during the Nürburgring 24 Hour Race. The Nordschleife, with its
jumps, bumps and long uphill sections, is considered the world’s toughest
racetrack. “We have prepared ourselves extremely well”, said Team Director
Hans-Jürgen Abt. “However, the race has always been completely
unpredictable, and this year the competition has never been stronger.”
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