DTM

Mercedes at the presentation

"Flat out" at DÃ¼sseldorf's Shopping Mile "KÃ¶" with 138,000 Enthusiastic Spectators Temporary "race track" in the middle of the city On the occasion of the DTM presentation at DÃ¼sseldorf's shopping mile KÃ¶nigsallee with 138,000 spectators ...

Published: Mar 27, 2006, 11:35 PM

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"Flat out" at Düsseldorf's Shopping Mile "Kö" with 138,000 Enthusiastic Spectators
Temporary "race track" in the middle of the city

On the occasion of the DTM presentation at Düsseldorf's shopping mile Königsallee with 138,000 spectators (according to an official police announcement), Mercedes-Benz introduced their ten drivers, the new C-Class and the sponsor partners for the 2006 DTM. An action packed show programme promoted the championship, which will start at Hockenheim on 9 April.

After Berlin in 2000 and Hamburg in 2004 and 2005, Düsseldorf was Germany's third main city to host the DTM presentation. The sport enthusiastic audience were able to experience DTM, their drivers and race cars very closely and literally accessible. The programme started already on Saturday morning when more than 40 team trucks entered the city. At noon, the drivers wrote autographs at the upmarket shopping centre Stilwerk.

On Sunday, the DTM cars with Bernd Schneider's Vodafone AMG-Mercedes and Jean Alesi's stern AMG-Mercedes among them, completed a couple of demonstration laps at an 800-metre temporary race track at the Königsallee. In front of packed grandstands and standing ovations they also showed spectacular start demonstrations. In addition, all 20 drivers presented the starting grid; there were pit stop competitions, co-driving opportunities in DTM cars, demonstration laps with historic cars and live music."

"It is a special highlight for us to have the best international touring car series as our guests in Düsseldorf. Cars, life style, fashion and top sport mix well with Düsseldorf. We really enjoyed that the DTM held their pre season presentation here," said Lord Mayor Joachim Erwin.

At a press conference at the head quarters of DTM series and Mercedes-Benz sponsor Vodafone, the new AMG-Mercedes C-Class was presented to more than 300 media representatives.

Comments of the ten Mercedes-Benz drivers on the presentation:

Jean Alesi (41 years/stern AMG-Mercedes/Team Persson):

"The DTM presentation is always a very special event, but never before have I experienced anything like this here in Düsseldorf."

Jamie Green (23/Salzgitter AMG-Mercedes/Team HWA):

"It was great fun. There are certainly many spectators who saw us for the first time and now want to see more."

Mika Häkkinen (37/AMG-Mercedes/Team HWA):

"My hand hurts; not from driving but from writing - it was fantastic."

Daniel La Rosa (20/Trekstor AMG-Mercedes/Mücke Motorsport):

"It's great that the DTM can entertain so many people.

Mathias Lauda (25(AMG-Mercedes/Team Persson):

"I have never seen such an atmosphere in motor racing before."

Alexandros Margaritis (21/AMG-Mercedes/Team Persson):

"A perfect start to the new season."

Stefan Mücke (24/TV Spielfilm AMG-Mercedes/Mücke Motorsport):

"The fans were even more enthusiastic than at a race."

Bernd Schneider (41/Vodafone AMG-Mercedes/Team HWA):

"A great home game and a home win for my sponsor Vodafone."

Bruno Spengler (22/DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG-Mercedes/Team HWA):

"Of course we were not able to show everything at this temporary circuit, but I believe it was enough."

Susie Stoddart (23/AMG-Mercedes/Mücke Motorsport):

"My first public appearance in the DTM. The fans and atmosphere were amazing - top class."

Norbert Haug:

"The DTM's concept to hold the presentation in the cities works. After Berlin and twice in Hamburg, Düsseldorf set a new benchmark with "Flat out at the Kö". Drivers and spectators obviously enjoyed it and there was more public demand for our drivers than at any race. After their long autograph sessions I can hardly believe that there are many visitors without a drivers' signature."

-mercedes-

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