Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class), current leader in the DTM points standings after ten races in the 2010 DTM season:
“Finishing in third place in Adria and taking over at the top of the table is the ideal position to be in for the DTM finale in China – I can hardly wait to line up on the starting grid in Shanghai. I could win the title there in my own right, and I’ll be doing everything I can to achieve that. I’m expecting an exciting race, which is likely to be very physically demanding. The layout of the circuit is very challenging and the course is a tough one – there are bound to be some fierce battles.”
Paul Di Resta (AMG Mercedes C-Class), currently second in the DTM overall rankings:
“Bruno’s lead is now just three points, and that’s not very much in the DTM. The layout of the circuit means it’s going to be a hard and physically demanding race, and overtaking should be possible at certain points. Both driver and car are put under extreme demands, due to switching regularly and quickly between accelerating, braking and cornering. This calls for having to make a trade-off in the car’s set-up between maximum speed and downforce. I’m confident that the Chinese fans will enjoy an exciting race.”
Gary Paffett (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class), currently in third place in the DTM championship and winner of the DTM race in Shanghai in 2004:
“The circuit in the city of Shanghai looks to be technically very challenging and it’s not going to be easy to achieve a good set-up to meet the different requirements – especially as we don’t have any experience on this track. I’ve only been in one other race previously in Shanghai, which was in 2004 – admittedly this was on a different circuit in the district of Pudong – but I won that race and my goal is to win again this time round. I’m nine points behind Bruno and in theory it’s still possible for me to win the championship – I’ll be doing everything I can to make that happen.”“
Ralf Schumacher (Laureus AMG Mercedes C-Class), lining up on the starting grid in the DTM for the first time in Shanghai:
“I really enjoyed driving on street circuits during my Formula 1 days. Driving between the skyscrapers in Shanghai really is a very special experience. The street circuit in the heart of Pudong is dominated by quick changes in direction, which can be equally demanding on both driver and car. I’m still going to give it everything I have in the last race to try and round the season off with a respectable result.”
David Coulthard (Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Class), driving in his eleventh DTM race in Shanghai:
“The circuit in Shanghai has an impressive setting and looks really exciting on paper. Given the bumpy surface of a street course, and with the crash barriers being so close to the track, you really have to be extremely precise with your driving here. This suits me, as shown by my two victories on the street circuit in Monaco. My goal is to round off the season by finishing in the DTM top ten for the second time.”
CongFu Cheng (stern AMG Mercedes C-Class), first Chinese racing driver to take part in the DTM, driving in his eleventh DTM race in Shanghai:
“As a “home fixture”, the race in Shanghai is the highlight of the DTM season for me – it’s an excellent feeling to be driving on your home turf in front of all your fans, friends and relatives. The race around the street circuit of Pudong will not be easy, but I am well prepared to provide my fellow countrymen with some exciting motorsport action.”
Norbert Haug:
“After the race here in 2004, we are all looking forward to getting the DTM under way for the second time in the heart of Shanghai. Back then it was Gary Paffett who won in our C-Class, and now six years later Gary has an opportunity to pick up the DTM title in Shanghai, just like his team mates Bruno Spengler and Paul di Resta. The race in this important city is extremely significant for the further development of the DTM, and of course is just as important for the rapidly growing Chinese automotive market, where Mercedes-Benz is going from strength to strength. We are looking forward to a good race in the centre of Pudong and after eight victories in the previous ten races it would be particularly nice to achieve a ninth victory in the final race.”
