Some people send flowers, others a write a thank you note -- but whenever DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom expresses his appreciation to his team-mates for their support on his way to the title win, this involves some really hard action: for three days, the Audi stars let off steam in Sweden with

Tom Kristensen, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline (1st place): „It was a tough race. I made a great start and pushed really hard during the opening laps to create a gap, which I managed, as I had a big lead before making my first pit-stop.

For the first time this season, Tom Kristensen crossed the line as the winner with his Siemens Audi A4.

His home track, as Tom Kristensen is jokingly calling the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, seems to suit the Dane: in warm-up on Sunday morning, the pole-sitter for the third season round also set the fastest lap.

Tom Kristensen, Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline (1st place): "This was exactly the result I needed. Of course things would be quieter for me in the race if the other Audi cars were further at the front.

Heavy wind at the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben made DTM qualifying a huge challenge for the 20 drivers. Like last year already, Audi-driver Tom Kristensen secured himself pole-position for tomorrow’s race at 14.00 h (ARD live from 13.45 h).

Tom Kristensen claimed pole-position in qualifying for the third season round of the DTM in the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben. With his Siemens Audi A4, the Dane claimed the most favourable grid position by 0.009 seconds.

According to the motto ‘Shopping with Mika’, Mercedes-Benz works driver and two-time Formula One World champion Mika Hakkinen visited Baden-Württemberg’s city of Metzingen, this Sunday, thus following an invitation of the fashion label ‘Boss’

There have been quite a few drivers who, after an exploit in the Nuremberg Norisring race, would end up taking a - voluntary or involuntary - dip in the "Dutzendteich”.

During the European Grand Prix weekend, held at the Nurburgring in the Eifel region, a handful of Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers also have to cope with an extensive programme, at the ‘Ring’. Taxi rides around the legendary Nordschleife, interviews, autographing sessions and - as highlight - Stefan Mucke as commentator.

On 7th May, 2006, the DTM supporters will have the unique opportunity to go shopping with Mercedes-Benz ace Mika Häkkinen. On this shopping Sunday, the two-time Formula One World Champion will visit the factory outlet of fashion label Hugo Boss, located in Metzingen.

For the second consecutive time, the young guns were outclassed by their experienced rivals. Just as it had been the case in the season opener, at Hockenheim, Bernd Schneider once again prevailed.

For the second consecutive time, the young guns were outclassed by their experienced rivals. Just as it had been the case in the season opener, at Hockenheim, Bernd Schneider once again prevailed. Prior to his champagne shower, the crowds witnessed a thrilling race with the pit stops turning out to be a key factor.

From now on, the season will be tough, for Mattias Ekström: two races, two retirements, no points. With just two rounds of the 2006 season being completed, the 2004 DTM Champion seems to already have lost his title chance.

Bernd Schneider, Vodafone AMG-Mercedes C-Class (Winner): „A great race which was a lot of fun. I had to fight a lot to hold off Ekström. We had a very good strategy and executed our pit stops very fast. I thank everybody in my team. I dedicate this victory to my son Luca who became seven on his birthday on Friday.”

Fascinating battles, an old hand as the race winner and 76,000 spectators made the racing weekend at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz to a huge success. After his victory in the season opener at the Hockenheimring, record DTM champion Bernd Schneider again proved himself to be in excellent shape.

At the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, Bernd Schneider scored his second consecutive victory in the current DTM-season. After 48 laps, the driver with the Vodafone AMG Mercedes C-Class crossed the line ahead of Audi-driver Tom Kristensen and Mika Häkkinen, who overtook his fellow Mercedes-driver Jamie Green on the final metres of the race.