Tom Kristensen to race at DTM Lausitzring

Posted: 16 Jun 2011 06:36 AM PDT

DTM Lausitzring Kristensen

Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen (43) will make a comeback in the DTM this coming weekend at the Lausitzring. The Dane replaces third in the standings Mike Rockenfeller (27) at the wheel of the E-POSTBRIEF Audi A4 DTM for Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline.

Mike Rockenfeller sits out Lausitzring
Complete recovery has priority for Audi
Le Mans record winner as substitute

Mike Rockenfeller is recovering quickly but Audi wants to be completely sure that he has sufficient time to fully regenerate following his heavy accident at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “Knowing well that Mike is fighting for the DTM title this year his full recovery has absolute priority,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “After prior consultation with our team doctor I have decided to rest him this coming weekend and also for the 24 hour race at the Nürburgring for this reason.”

With Tom Kristensen an old hand returns for one race to the Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline squad. The eight-time Le Mans winner competed between 2004 and 2009 for Audi in the DTM before concentrating solely on the sport prototype program. Although he considers the Lausitzring not to be one of his favorite circuits, the Dane has fond memories of the circuit: he mounted the podium as best Audi driver there in 2005 and 2006. “Tom K.” has won four DTM races in his career to date.

“First of all I’m sorry for ‘Rocky’ that he will miss this race. I wish him a speedy recovery. After being out of the DTM for two years it will certainly be very tough to come back. But when Dr. Ullrich called me it was self-evident for me to help Audi Sport in this situation,” says the Dane. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the old friends again and will try to substitute ‘Rocky’ as well as possible.”

- Audi Motorsport