Countdown to the presentation

Pit-stop competition on the Rathausmarkt, DTM start demonstration on the Lombardsbrücke

The countdown has started -- only eight days remain until the DTM season 2004 kicks off with the DTM presentation in Hamburg. The programme boasts many spectacular events, capped by the parade of race cars around the Binnenalster. The teams from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Opel will take part in a pit-stop competition in real racing time in the unique setting of the town hall.

The DTM crews of mechanics have no reason to cower from those in the Formula One: last year the Formula One times were regularly beaten. A successful or a botched pit-stop often determines victory or defeat. It demands perfect teamwork that is personified by the crews of DTM stars like Frank Biela, Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Bernd Schneider.

Another interesting scheduled event is a start demonstration of three DTM race cars. Sheer excitement for both driver and spectator will be palpable when the 470-horsepower strong cars with their wide Dunlop tyres charge off the mark. The competition will be staged on the Lombard bridge and broadcast onto a video screen at the Rathausmarkt. A varied presentation programme from 12.00 to 15.00 at the DTM fair will ensure optimum entertainment, such as films, interviews and autographs as well as the chance to win a ride in an original DTM race car.

By invitation of the Hamburg senate, a special highlight awaits guests of the gala evening on March 29 in the ballroom of the town hall. Reinhold Beckmann and Johannes B. Kerner will co-host the evening -- a premiere. Both simultaneously represent two strong partners for the DTM: Reinhold Beckmann is one of the most popular presenters at ARD, while Johannes B. Kerner is top notch at ZDF. The host of the gala evening on March 29 is Hamburg's economics senator Gunnar Uldall.

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