The future, as we imagine it now, may be full of robots doing all kinds of things for us humans, including driving our cars. As some scientists over at Google recently proved, driver-less vehicles may become a reality sooner than we expect, so here's what an automaker that produces cars for drivers has to say about this issue. In the Chrysler Group’s latest commercial for the 2011 Dodge Charger called “The Future of Driving”, we are presented with a gloomy future, in which robots control all aspects of our lives, from choosing our diet and wardrobe to even walking our pet dogs. The hero of the commercial has nothing to say about all these things, but when a robot invites him to sit on the passenger seat of his own car, things get a little bit out of control...
Fans of all kinds and sorts of the much talked about Fast 5 film went “fast and furious” at a theater parking lot in Detroit before and after a midnight release of the movie on Thursday. Steven Pham, a professional photographer and automotive enthusiast, happened to be one of those early moviegoers and filmed some of the hoonery that went on up until the boys in blue showed up to put an end to the tire-burning games. 
We came in contact with Steven and here's what he told us:"After seeing the trailers for Fast Five, there was a lot of hype in the automotive community. I'm pretty sure every car enthusiast is a fan of the series, if not, then there is something wrong with them. Sure each movie has some sort of unrealistic scene, though I think it adds to the movie in a "wtf, did that really just happen?" kind of way.
Everything that went on in the parking lot outside of the theater before and after the movie was hysterical. Cars revving it up, dozens of people doing burnouts and donuts and to the one guy that was playing the Tokyo Drift soundtrack with his subs. It was like a short film in between all of the Fast and the Furious movie series, except without girls walking around and dancing in bikinis."
Since 2008, Mercedes-Benz has been producing a special edition version of the SL65 AMG called the Black Series that comes with a fixed carbon fiber roof, a wide body kit, an upgraded V12 and numerous other performance and styling enhancements. If you happen to like the look of the Black Series but prefer to keep the retractable hardtop of the standard SL65 AMG, you may want to check out Inden Design’s latest tuning package.
This disturbing conclusion comes from a UK survey done at the request of home store B&Q. While 80 bacteria are found on each square inch of toilet, around 700 harmful bugs lurk in the interior of a car and specifically on the steering wheel, gear stick and back seats. The study also revealed that 42 percent of motorists regularly eat meals while driving. “A car is the perfect place for germs to breed, especially if you eat in it and leave litter or uneaten food around. To avoid potential health risks it would be wise to regularly clean your car inside and out,” said doctor Ron Cutler, director of biomedical science at Queen Mary University, London.
It might not be an award winning campaign, but Nissan’s new outdoor board placed right outside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center during the 2011 New York Auto Show (April 22 to May 1 for the public) is sure to grab attention and increase awareness for the firm’s all-electric Leaf family car. The two-sided Smokeboard was created by the Japanese firm’s advertising partner TBWA\Chiat\Day, which is the American division of the advertising agency TBWA Worldwide. On one side, the billboard features an actual working tailpipe that emits fumes into the air (with the agency stressing the fact that the exhaust is environmentally friendly…) and a headline that reads, “The auto show has over 1,000 of these”. On the other side, there’s a photo of the Leaf and a caption that says “But only one 100% electric, zero-tailpipe Nissan Leaf”. Check out the ad in action in the clip after the jump.
With gas prices on the rise again, an increasing number of Ford F-150 buyers looking to save some (let’s not get carried away here…) cash at the pump without compromising on power are turning to the company’s new EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine. According to Ford, demand for the EcoBoost engine in the F-150 has increased each month since production began in January. In March, one in every four (25%) models sold in the States was equipped with the force-fed V6, increasing to around 35 percent in April.
Vehicle accidents happen on the road everywhere and every day. However, some mishaps could be easily avoided if the person behind the wheel has his or her head screwed on the right way. For example, take a look at this video showing a 14-wheeler truck overturning on a busy road in Wenling City in eastern China's Zhejiang Province; this is not the way you are supposed to turn into a corner with such a heavy and long vehicle. As you can see in the closed circuit TV footage that captured the incident as it happened, the driver of the lorry was apparently in a hurry to pass the traffic light and speeded through the crossroad only to overturn and drop the container on its side. According to media reports, officials said by-passers narrowly avoided being hit. Watch the clip right after the break.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart/Brackley, Germany/United Kingdom, Apr 29, 2011
After three flyaway races, Formula One’s European season begins next weekend with Round Four of the 2011 World Championship, the Turkish Grand Prix, at Istanbul Park on Sunday 8 May.
• Of six Turkish Grands Prix held since 2005, three were won with Mercedes-Benz power (‘05, ‘09, ‘10)
• The Turkish Grand Prix has been won from pole four times and never from lower than P2 on the grid
• The 120m run from the grid to the first corner is the joint shortest of the season with Monaco
Michael Schumacher
“It is always exciting when the calendar returns to Europe and the racing schedule becomes more intense. After returning from the first three races, I have enjoyed spending some time with my family in the short break, and I am now really looking forward to the action getting underway again. The venue for our next race, Istanbul Park, is a great track and provides a good challenge for the drivers. It’s anti-clockwise, has a lot of gradient changes and different corner layouts, so it’s quite nice to drive. I know that the team have been working very hard to continue the progress that we made during the last race weekend in China and, with the help of some developments planned for Istanbul, I am confident that we can enjoy an equally positive weekend.”
Nico Rosberg
“We had a more difficult start to 2011 than we had expected, and the first three races felt a little like a rollercoaster of emotions. We were all disappointed in Melbourne and Malaysia but, after leading the race in Shanghai, we have confirmed the potential of our car. The team did a very good job to take a step forward and we learned a lot from the weekend. Hopefully we can now make a further step for Turkey and produce another positive performance. After spending time with my family during Easter, I am really looking forward to the race at Istanbul Park. Turn Eight is one of the most challenging corners of the year: it’s taken at full throttle for over eight seconds, with forces of up to 5G. If I had to create a fantasy Formula One circuit, this corner would definitely be included.”
Ross Brawn, Team Principal
“The team and drivers have worked extremely hard in the short break before the European season begins to ensure that we continue to move forward. We have a fundamentally good car and we need to achieve its full potential in the races to come. The Chinese Grand Prix reminded everyone at the team what it is like to fight for a race. We didn’t succeed on that occasion but it’s a feeling that we would like to experience more often. When the car is working properly, we can be more competitive and the solutions we are bringing to Turkey will help us achieve this level more consistently. However, we also know that we need to push for more performance if we want to fight regularly at the front. The first three races have been a challenge but we have pulled together and will continue working hard to make progress.”
Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
“The Turkish Grand Prix is the first race of the European season in the 2011 Formula One World Championship. It is a demanding circuit for both cars and drivers, and Turn Eight is the longest corner of the entire season. Nearly 70% of the 5.338 km lap is spent at wide open throttle which means that, in addition to the chassis and tyres, the engine is under considerable load. At the last race in China, our team took a step up in competitiveness relative to the first races in Australia and Malaysia. Our aim is to consolidate this level of performance in Turkey before building on it.”
* Official details courtesy of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS *
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
• Mercedes-Benz will be using high-performance Syntium engine oils supplied by PETRONAS during the 2011 DTM campaign
• The PETRONAS logo will feature on the racing overalls and helmets worn by all Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers and on the bodywork of all DTM AMG Mercedes C-Class cars
• The 2011 DTM season commences on 1st May in Hockenheim
Stuttgart, Germany, Apr 29, 2011 – Mercedes-Benz today announced an extension of its motorsport partnership with PETRONAS from Formula One to the German Touring Car Masters (DTM). Already title sponsor of the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One team, the Malaysian national oil and gas corporation will now have a prominent profile in DTM as team sponsor of Mercedes-Benz when the new season begins on 1st May in Hockenheim.
All nine Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers will race this season with the PETRONAS logo on their racing overalls and helmets, as well as on their AMG Mercedes C-Class cars. The Mercedes-Benz Formula 3 partner teams Mücke Motorsport and Prema Powerteam will likewise feature PETRONAS branding on their Dallara Mercedes Formula 3 racing cars.
The partnership between PETRONAS and Mercedes-Benz now extends from discovering and nurturing young talent in Formula 3 to the senior categories of DTM and Formula One.
In all three race series, Mercedes-Benz relies on high-performance motor oil and lubricants supplied by PETRONAS under the Syntium brand name.
As is the case for Formula One, PETRONAS motor oils have been specially formulated to meet the unique demands of DTM racing. With piston velocities of over 35m/s and valve pressures of over 9,000kg/cm², DTM engines are subject to immense physical forces. It is only when all moving parts, operating at gap sizes of a few micrometres, are optimally lubricated for these extreme conditions that the engine can deliver sustained peak performance. The specially formulated Syntium motor oil with its integrated additives ensures that the engine is able to perform consistently well throughout the season.
PETRONAS has been involved in motor racing since 1988, becoming a Formula One team sponsor in 1995. When the Malaysian Grand Prix made its debut at the Sepang International Circuit in 1999, PETRONAS secured the F1 Grand Prix title sponsorship rights to the event. Since the start of the 2010 season, PETRONAS has been title sponsor of the Silver Arrows team – MERCEDES GP PETRONAS – with its driver pairing of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher.
Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “We are delighted to welcome PETRONAS as our new DTM partner. Our existing partnership in Formula One is characterised by a spirit of constructive cooperation, coupled with the ongoing desire to improve performance. The fact that PETRONAS has extended its involvement from Formula One, with our Silver Arrows team, to the DTM emphasises the growing importance of this series. Just as in Formula One, the research and development work done by our partners at PETRONAS makes an invaluable contribution to the competitiveness of our cars.”
Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz, General Manager, PETRONAS Motorsports: "We are extremely proud to extend our partnership with Mercedes-Benz. Building on our partnership in Formula One, this new relationship takes us to yet another level with our involvement in arguably the most competitive touring car series, the DTM, as well as the important single-seater category, the Formula 3 Euro Series. More importantly, this is a significant step forward for PETRONAS as we continue to pursue our commercial business objectives particularly in growing our lubricant businesses and extending our technical involvement globally."
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
• First-quarter net profit nearly doubles to €1,180 million (Q1 2010: €612 million)
• Revenue significantly higher than in prior-year at €24.7 billion (Q1 2010: €21.2 billion)
• Net liquidity of the industrial business increases to €12.4 billion
• Further growth in unit sales and revenue anticipated for 2011
• Affirmation of guidance for 2011: EBIT from ongoing business expected to be significantly higher than in 2010
Stuttgart, Germany, Apr 29, 2011 – Daimler AG (stock-exchange symbol DAI) made an excellent start to the year 2011: Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) for the first quarter amounted to €2,031 million (Q1 2010: €1,190 million), which is 71% above the figure for the prior-year period.
The positive EBIT development led to a significant improvement in net profit to €1,180 million (Q1 2010: €612 million). Earnings per share increased to €0.99 (Q1 2010: €0.65).
“We achieved excellent earnings in the first quarter. This puts us well ahead of our planning and confirms our positive outlook for the year 2011,” stated Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.
“We are on the right track. We want to delight our customers with fascinating products and strong brands, and we intend to continue our profitable growth. To go new ways successfully, we are building on our proven strengths: continuous innovation, new technologies and an outstanding team. We are consistently implementing this strategy,” stated Zetsche.
The very positive development of earnings is a reflection of the ongoing upward trend in nearly all the Daimler Group’s divisions. Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans increased their unit sales compared with the prior-year period in all major regions. Daimler Financial Services profited in particular from lower cost of risk.
In connection with the natural disaster in Japan, expenditures of €49 million were recognized at Daimler Trucks and €29 million at Daimler Financial Services; any insurance compensations have not yet been taken into consideration.
Daimler will remain watchful in the future, so that it can react quickly and flexibly to global challenges such as the tragic disaster in Japan.
The special items that affected EBIT in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010 are shown in the table on page 9.
Group unit sales up by 15% in the first quarter
In the first quarter of 2011, Daimler sold 461,700 cars and commercial vehicles worldwide, surpassing the prior-year figure by 15%. The Group’s first-quarter revenue increased by 17% to €24.7 billion. Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, revenue grew by 15%.
The net liquidity of the industrial business increased to €12.4 billion as of March 31, 2011.
At the end of the first quarter of 2011, Daimler employed 261,718 people worldwide (March 31, 2010: 254,779). Of that total, 164,131 people were employed in Germany (March 31, 2010: 161,449).
Details of the divisions
Mercedes-Benz Cars continued its very good business development of 2010 in the first quarter of this year. The car division increased its unit sales compared with the prior-year period by 12% to 310,700 vehicles (Q1 2010: 277,100). First-quarter revenue increased by 20% to €13.9 billion.
With EBIT of €1,288 million in the first quarter, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division improved its earnings compared with the prior-year period by 60%. Its return on sales was 9.3% (Q1 2010: 7.0%).
The main factor contributing to this earnings improvement was further growth in unit sales, especially in the premium and luxury segments and with SUVs. Especially in China, the Mercedes-Benz Cars division was able to significantly increase its unit sales due to its attractive product portfolio. The very good product mix and improved pricing as well as positive currency effects also contributed to the strong earnings.
There were negative impacts on earnings from increased prices of raw materials, increased use of materials in connection with the ramp-up of new vehicles, as well as from higher research and development expenditure.
Daimler Trucks posted significant growth in unit sales in the first quarter of 2011: The number of trucks sold increased by 27% to 89,300 units. Revenue of €6.2 billion was 28% higher than in the first three months of last year.
The division’s EBIT of €415 million was also significantly better than the prior-year earnings of €130 million. The return on sales was 6.6% (Q1 2010: 2.7%).
This earnings improvement is primarily due to the good business development, in particular in the markets of Western Europe and the United States. There was an opposing, negative impact on first-quarter earnings from high advance expenditure for the current product offensive. Due to the natural disaster in Japan, charges on earnings of €49 million were recognized in the first quarter of 2011. These charges are primarily related to damaged assets and production losses in March 2011.
Mercedes-Benz Vans increased its unit sales compared with the first quarter of last year by 16% to sell 54,000 vehicles of the Sprinter, Vito/Viano and Vario models. Revenue of €2.0 billion was also significantly higher than the prior-year figure of €1.7 billion.
The division achieved an operating profit (EBIT) of €173 million (Q1 2010: €64 million). Its return on sales improved to 8.8%, compared with 3.8% in the first quarter of last year.
The positive development of earnings was mainly the result of the ongoing market recovery and significantly higher unit sales, especially in Germany, China and Turkey.
Worldwide unit sales by Daimler Buses of 7,700 buses and bus chassis were below the prior-year figure of 8,400 units. Revenue amounted to €831 million (Q1 2010: €1,011 million).
The division’s EBIT amounted to minus €33 million (Q1 2010: plus €41 million) and its return on sales was minus 4.0% (Q1 2010: plus 4.1%). Due to lower unit sales (-8%), the division was unable to match the earnings achieved in the prior-year period. The business with complete buses in Western Europe and North America was particularly affected, as the development of the city-bus segment was significantly weaker than in the prior year for market reasons. In Latin America, the prior-year quarter had been positively affected by deliveries on major orders. Negative currency effects also contributed to the drop in earnings.
At Daimler Financial Services, worldwide contract volume decreased compared with the end of 2010 by 3% to €61.7 billion. Adjusted for exchange-rate effects, contract volume was almost unchanged. New business developed positively and grew compared with the first quarter of 2010 by 11% to €6.9 billion, or by 8% after adjusting for currency effects.
With EBIT of €321 million, the division significantly surpassed its earnings of the prior-year period (Q1 2010: €119 million). The improvement in earnings was mainly caused by lower risk provisions and higher interest margins. Due to the natural disaster in Japan, write-down charges of €29 million were recognized for anticipated losses of receivables.
The reconciliation of the divisions’ EBIT to Group EBIT primarily reflects the proportionate share of the Daimler Group’s equity-method investment in EADS, as well as other gains and losses at the corporate level.
In the first quarter of 2011, Daimler’s proportionate share of the net result of EADS amounted to a profit of €74 million (Q1 2010: loss of €269 million). The prior-year loss was primarily the result of provisions recognized by EADS relating to the A400M military transport aircraft.
The reconciliation also includes expenses of €191 million at the corporate level (Q1 2010: income of €26 million), partially related to legal proceedings.
Outlook for 2011 affirmed
Based on current estimates, the Daimler Group expects to post significantly higher EBIT from its ongoing business in 2011 than in 2010. Developments in the first quarter have shown that Daimler continues to make good progress toward the targeted rates of return that it intends to achieve on a sustained basis as of the year 2013.
Following the substantial increase in 2010, Daimler expects its total revenue to continue to grow in 2011. That growth will probably be driven by all the automotive divisions. On the basis of the divisions’ planning, Daimler anticipates a significant increase in total unit sales (2010: 1.9 million vehicles).
In view of the continuation of generally good market prospects combined with numerous model changes and new products, Mercedes-Benz Cars assumes that the Mercedes-Benz brand will increase its unit sales to a new record of more than 1.2 million cars in 2011. Thanks to its up-to-date and competitive model range, the division will profit also in the year 2011 from strong demand for the E-Class models and from the market success of the S-Class. Unit sales in the remaining quarters of 2011 will continue to be above the volumes of the prior-year periods.
The new-generation C-Class sedan and station wagon and the new SLK roadster have been providing additional sales impetus since late March 2011. The C-Class coupe will be launched in June, followed by the new model of the M-Class in September and the roadster version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in the fourth quarter. And in November, the division will launch the new B-Class – the first of four new models in the compact-car segment. For the smart brand, unit sales are anticipated at roughly the same level as in 2010 due to the full availability of the new generation of the smart fortwo.
At the same time, in order to secure its growth, Mercedes-Benz Cars is investing in the expansion of its production network, continuing its product offensive and intensifying the development of new technologies. This includes the joint venture between Daimler and Toray to produce and market automotive parts made of carbon fiber and the cooperation with Bosch on the development of electric motors for cars.
Daimler Trucks assumes that it will increase its unit sales substantially in 2011. Aided by the general economic recovery and the expected related growth in demand for transport services and vehicles, most of its major markets will grow at significant rates. The division will participate in the continuous market growth in Western Europe and will maintain its leading position in the heavy- and medium-duty segment. For the NAFTA region the sales forecast is supported by market share gains in all of Classes 6-8, as well as the excellent order situation. Following the recent events in Japan, the situation in that market is very difficult and hard to forecast due to the lack of clarity about future developments. But Daimler Trucks will strengthen its position in other parts of Asia, especially in the large Chinese market and in other fast-growing emerging markets.
In addition, capacities in Brazil and Turkey are being expanded, thus improving the availability of trucks in those markets.
The division anticipates further growth in unit sales in the coming quarters compared with the prior-year periods. This assessment is supported by the current order situation. At the Daimler Trucks division, orders received by Trucks Europe/Latin America increased by a double-digit percentage and at Trucks NAFTA they actually quadrupled compared with the prior-year quarter.
The Mercedes-Benz Vans division also expects to achieve further growth in unit sales in full-year 2011, on the basis of the ongoing recovery of its most important markets. The launch of the Sprinter in China and the adjustment of production capacities in Argentina will additionally contribute to that growth.
Daimler Buses expects to sell more than 40,000 complete buses and bus chassis in the year 2011. However, the increase will be due solely to the positive development of chassis sales in Latin America. The business with complete buses in Europe and North America is likely to remain weak.
Daimler Financial Services anticipates a further increase in its worldwide contract volume and new business in full-year 2011. Credit-risk costs are expected to stabilize this year, but interest rates are likely to increase.
Due to the strong demand for its products, the Daimler Group assumes that the worldwide number of employees will increase compared with the number at the end of 2010.
The special items shown in the following table affected EBIT in the first quarter of 2011 and 2010:
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Affalterbach, Germany, Apr 28, 2011 – The new C 63 AMG is being used as the Safety Car for the 2011 DTM season. Following the DTM presentation in Wiesbaden on 10 April 2011, the new Safety Car will make its debut on 1 May 2011 at the opening race of the German Touring Car Masters season at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg. The V8 Sports Saloon only had to be modified slightly for its demanding DTM task. Responsibility for development and production of the C 63 AMG Safety Car was entrusted to the specialists in the AMG Overall Vehicle Development department and the AMG Performance Studio.
Decisions regarding the deployment of the Safety Car are taken by the Deutsche Motorsportbund (DMSB) – German motor racing's governing body – which assumes responsibility for safety implementation and compliance as well as performing official sports functions in accordance with the DTM regulations. Piloted by racing driver Jürgen Kastenholz (43), the C 63 AMG Safety Car has the job of ensuring maximum safety for the racing drivers and spectators in the event of dangerous situations such as extreme weather conditions, accidents or other incidents. When radioed by Race Control, the Safety Car positions itself at the head of the DTM field and leads the cars around the circuit until normal racing can be resumed.
The new C 63 AMG being used for the 2011 DTM season scales new heights in terms of design and technology: the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine has an exceptionally high output of 358 kW (487 hp) and a peak torque of 600 Nm. The increase in output versus the standard 336 kW (457 hp) engine is due to the AMG Performance Package, which is optionally available for any C 63 AMG model and enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (Estate 4.4 seconds). For the AMG Performance Package the engine specialists have placed their trust in a technology transfer from the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG: the forged pistons, connecting rods and lightweight crankshaft have been adopted from the gull-wing model. The lower inertia of the three-kilogram lighter components allows the naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine to rev freely and respond even more promptly. Distinguishing features of the Performance Package include the variable intake manifold painted in titanium grey and the AMG high-performance braking system with compound brake discs at the front axle.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission on board
New equipment includes the innovative AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, which incorporates a wet start-up clutch and four transmission modes as well as double-declutching and RACE START functions for optimum driving dynamics. Distinguishing features of the current model include the aluminium bonnet with modified powerdomes, the new radiator grille, the new headlamps, the new AMG rear apron with a distinctive black diffuser insert and active rear-axle cooling. To optimise radiator inflow, the AMG front apron on the DTM Safety Car features enlarged openings and side air outlets, while the AMG carbon-fibre spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift at high track speeds. In keeping with this design, the DTM Safety Car also sports AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirrors.
Outstanding grip thanks to differential lock and 3-stage ESP®
The adjustable coil-over suspension together with the differential lock and the 3-stage ESP® ensures a high level of agility and outstanding grip on the race track. The C 63 AMG Safety Car is shod with multi-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange, 235/35 R 19 front tyres and 255/30 R 19 rear tyres.
The AMG high-performance braking system has been optimised for the race track: compound brake discs with six-piston brake callipers at the front axle and steel brake discs with four-piston brake callipers at the rear axle; all of the discs are internally ventilated and perforated. Meanwhile, the AMG sports exhaust system with special rear silencers produces an unmistakable AMG V8 sound.
Distinguishing features of the DTM Safety Car compared to the standard C 63 AMG include distinctive DTM Safety Car logos, the LED light bar on the roof and the stroboscopic flashing LED lights at the front and rear. A number plate illuminated with LEDs and the words "Safety Car" on the boot lid make the car easier to see in poor weather conditions. To facilitate communication with Race Control, the Safety Car is fitted with a radio system and a TV monitor. Two AMG sports bucket seats with four-point seat belts provide ideal lateral support for the driver and co-driver, while the AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/Alcantara with steering-wheel shift paddles assures optimum vehicle control.
DTM Safety Car from Mercedes-AMG since 2000
Mercedes-AMG has provided the Safety Car ever since the "new" DTM's inception in 2000 and alternates with Audi from race to race. The flagship V8 C-Class model from AMG has been used in DTM since its launch in 2008. To help ensure safety on the race track in the Formula-1 World Championship, the SLS AMG is used as the Official F1TM Safety Car, while the Official F1TM Medical Car is a C 63 AMG Estate.
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, Apr 28, 2011
Preview: Opening race of the 2011 DTM season at Hockenheim
• The 2011 DTM season starts on 1st May at the Hockenheimring
• New season, new tyre partner after three successive Hockenheim victories for Mercedes
• ‘Home’ circuit traditionally a happy hunting ground for Mercedes-Benz: 17 wins from 24 races since the DTM series was revived in 2000
Comments on the opening race of the DTM season at Hockenheim from:
Gary Paffett (30, England, THOMAS SABO AMG Mercedes C-Class):
- won the opening race of the 2010 season at Hockenheim
- triumphed no fewer than three times at Hockenheim (2004, 2009, 2010)
- DTM champion in 2005 and runner-up in 2004, 2009 and 2010
“I’ve had three wins – two of them in the last three races – at Hockenheim, so this has been a happy hunting ground for me. Winning the opening race last year was a perfect springboard for the rest of the season, and I’d like to repeat the performance this time round. After finishing runner-up in the 2010 championship, I have a clear objective for this season – to win my second DTM title. I just can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the THOMAS SABO AMG Mercedes C-Class and for the start lights to go out on the gantry.”
Bruno Spengler (27, Canada, Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class):
- won the 2006 season finale at Hockenheim
- took second podium spot in the 2010 season opener (the first four places went to Mercedes-Benz drivers)
- DTM runner-up in 2006 and 2007, third overall in 2010
“The start of the season in Hockenheim is always something special. After the long break and all the test kilometres that we’ve driven this winter, I’m very pleased that the DTM season is getting underway again. Last year, I started the season with five podium finishes in a row. It would be great if I could build on these statistics, because you have to go rather a long way back to 2006 for my last victory at Hockenheim. It’s high time I won there again.”
Ralf Schumacher (35, Germany, Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class):
- starting his fourth DTM season
- won the 2001 F1 German GP at Hockenheim
“We have worked hard and to good effect during the winter tests. I feel comfortable driving the Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class and am determined to raise my level of performance this season. Hockenheim is the perfect place to start; it’s a track that I know very well, and every year there is a great atmosphere in the Mercedes-Benz grandstand and the Motodrom. This should be motivation enough for me to post a decent result in the season opener.”
David Coulthard (40, Scotland, Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Class):
- about to embark on his second DTM season
- raced at Hockenheim 14 times in Formula One and now for the third time in DTM
“After my DTM rookie year, I’m aiming to raise my game for Season Two. I would like to lay down a marker in the opening race at Hockenheim and take up from where I left off in the Shanghai season finale, which is where I had my first points finish. I’m already looking forward to the first race of the season and the tremendous enthusiasm of the DTM fans at Hockenheim.“
Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport:
“With the start of a new DTM season we are seeing a complete reshuffle of the pack, even if the cars are the same as they were last year. The arrival of Hankook as the new DTM tyre partner confronts the teams and drivers with new challenges; whoever masters them best will finish ahead. That Mercedes won the most races last season, secured the top three positions in the drivers’ standings and clinched the constructors’ title is now in the past, and another chapter in the long and illustrious motorsport history of the Silver Arrows.
But this weekend at Hockenheim, we all start with a clean slate. No-one has any bonus points or penalties from last season and, as I see it, around half of the drivers lining up in this year’s championship have a genuine chance of taking the title. We want to make the most of our opportunities and hopefully secure a result that is as good as the last three races we contested at Hockenheim.”
Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.
