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DTM

Merceders DTM Review – Mugello 3.4 May 2008

Go South !

Overall ranking: Behind leader Timo Scheider (Audi), there are six drivers within seven points; among them are C-Class drivers Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class), fourth with 11 points; Jamie Green (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class) fifth with seven points; Paul Di Resta (AMG Mercedes C-Class), seventh with five points.

Pit stops: In the 2008 DTM, the two pit stops are compulsory in the second third of the race. In the 33-lap race in Mugello, the drivers have to pit between laps 12 and 22.

Sunday's warm-up has been brought forward from 13:05 h to 11:50 h. In case of an accident or a technical problem, as they occurred at several cars in Oschersleben, the teams now will have more time to prepare the cars for the race.

Mercedes-Benz drivers have won seven out of the nine DTM/ITC races in Italy.

What drivers and motorsportchief say:

Bruno Spengler, start number 3 (2008 Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class): "May podium finish in Oschersleben showed that we are working in the right direction. I am confident that we will be able to further improve in Mugello. We have the potential to achieve this."

Paul Di Resta, start number 4 (2008 AMG Mercedes C-Class): "I have a lot of relatives in Italy and therefore, Mugello is kind of a home race for me which I look forward to. It will be a good occasion to improve again."

Jamie Green, start number 5 (2008 Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class): "It will be difficult to find the optimum set-up. For the more than one kilometre long front straight you need an optimum top speed. The many medium-fast corners require downforce for a good lap time."

Bernd Schneider, start number 6 (2008 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class): "The track creates a technical challenge for the engineers. I am the only DTM driver who won twice at this track. With our experience we should be able to make another step forward."

Gary Paffett, start number 7 (2007 stern AMG Mercedes C-Class): "The Mugello track layout promises an exciting race for drivers and spectator. I like the circuit and aim to score points again here."

Mathias Lauda, start number 8 (2007 Pixum AMG Mercedes C-Class 2007): "Overtaking should be possible at the end of the long front straight, and that is what I plan to do to score my first points this season."

Ralf Schumacher, start number 11 (2007 Trilux AMG Mercedes C-Class): "In March I drove in Mugello for the first time ever. With the experience we gained during the tests we should have a good basic set-cup, with which we can start the weekend. Thus I want to continue my positive trend."

Maro Engel, start number 12 (2007 JungeSterne AMG Mercedes C-Class): "I liked Mugello when I drove here during my first DTM test last December for the first time. I look forward to the race and the enthusiastic Italian crowd."

Susie Stoddart, start number 16 (2007 TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class): "When we tested in March I completed 139 laps, more than any other of my C-Class colleagues. I hope this experience will pay off this coming weekend."

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: "The Mugello circuit is challenging and varied, it features fast as well as slower corners. Last year, we won there with Mika Hakkinen a race, which was not easy for us, and we want to perform as well as possible this weekend."