TunerGP: MTM R8 RS notches up best time in Hockenheim

MTM Press Release

Once again, sport-auto had invited an illustrious selection of members of the pedal to the metal industry to the Tuner Grand Prix 2013 and almost all came to the Motordrome Short Course to show what's what when it comes down to metres and tenths of a second. The selected track measures not quite 2.6 kilometres, which is demanding for test drivers and machines alike.

Driving the Audi R8, Florian Gruber, MTM's chief racer and test driver, emphatically answered every question about who was the day's fastest with a lap time of 1:06.695 minutes. Nobody in the field of 66 starters was able to better it. In addition to its dominant role on the track, the 606 hp ten cylinder engine has also received the blessing of the TÜV (German Technical Inspection Authority) for use on the public highway; equipped with a height-adjustable chassis with three-part BBS wheel rims with central locking and tyres to match (Michelin Pilot Sport Cup - VA 295/30 - 18, HA 345/30-19) and a passenger seat.

All the same, Florian Gruber recorded a best time of 1:14.0 at the wheel of the MTM A1 quattro, enabling him to break into the ranks of the next higher class dominated by hot VW Golfs.

Roland Mayer, MTM's Managing Director and petrol head in one and the same person, voiced his satisfaction with the performance: "Armed with a stopwatch and under comparable conditions it's always good to show what a car prepared by MTM is capable of. On some another occasion, we will then demonstrate that our success is built not just on peak performance but on our reliability as well.

This year a racing edition of the MTM R8 is putting in an appearance at the international GT Sprint Series but with 40 hp less than the road version because of restrictions imposed by the rules. Up-and-coming racer Thomas Schöffler is available to the MTM team, as he was last year. Who will be driving the second MTM R8 at the next race meeting at the Slovakia Ring (8 - 9 June 2013) near the capital Bratislava will be decided shortly. The 10-cylinder naturally aspirated engines with their 560 hp will then have to prove themselves against international competition with illustrious names such as Porsche, Maserati and Ferrari. Noblesse oblige.

Photo credit: MTM

TunerGP: MTM Audi R8 performed very well at the 2013 TunerGP

By Johan Laubscher

The annual TunerGP was held at Hockenheim this past weekend, the sport auto High Performance Days 2013. It is a very popular European event for Tuning companies. MTM (Moteren Technik Mayer) has taken part in this event for many years, and this year they added a special car to their entry.

The MTM team has been competing in the Italian Superstars GT Sprint Series this season, using an Audi R8 LMS race car. They have shown good pace and results so far this year. The team decided to enter their Audi R8 LMS at the TunerGP.

The event requires modified streetcars, thus MTM modified the specification of their R8 LMS to make it eligible for the TunerGP. The modifications allowed the car to be registered for street legislation and it was entered in the C15-A class for "supersportler" cars. The changes to the car included: raised ride-height, added passenger seat and new BBS three piece rims with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires.

Florian Gruber drove the Audi at the event. The car was named the MTM R8 RS, after its modifications for the TunerGP. Gruber was able to post very fast lap times, which ultimately won the event overall. The overall average winning lap time was 1:06.695. The results from the TunerGP can be seen HERE.

It was a great result for MTM, and the car looked and sounded great circling the short version of Hockenheim. An onboard video and photos from the MTM website have been included below.

Photo credit and more information:
MTM website
MTM on Facebook 

MTM Audi R8 LMS - chased in the GT sprint series‏

MTM Press Release

The MTM team was obliged to contest the first race of this series, run at the beginning of April in Monza, with all its talent for improvisation and a thick wadge of experience garnered on the world's fastest tracks, since the decision to take part in this competition having been made at very short notice. "Top performance is best demonstrated in sports. That is part of our company philosophy" was how MTM boss Roland Mayer explained his recent involvement in an international competition. Olivier Mayer, an old stager of the Ingolstadt "pedal to the metal" guild and no relation of the MTM founder, whether by blood or marriage, fought his corner creditably, impressively demonstrating the potential performance of an MTM Audi R8 LMS in the face of the overmighty Ferrari 458 and Porsche 997.

The Wettstetten team has hit its competitive stride before the second race of the series, to be held next weekend in Brünn in the Czech Republic, and will be taking on its competitors with fresh drivers, new livery and a large racing car transporter. Thomas Schöffler, last year the stand-out rookie of the Superstar Series, and old hand Johan Kristofferson will each be driving an R8 LMS fielded by MTM. The phalanx of competitors should take the two Audi racing cars with their 10 cylinder naturally aspirated engines seriously. They have demonstrated their enormous performance in numerous races in every corner of the globe. With Schöffler's and Kristofferson's intervention in the GT Sprint Series action we have two drivers who are always in contention for podium places.

After the second race in Brünn there are another six races in the programme before the title is awarded. Slovakiaring, Zolder, Portimao, Donington, Imola and Vallelunga.

Photo credit: MTM

GT Sprint: MTM Audi R8 LMS performed well at Monza

By Johan Laubscher

The Superstars GT Sprint championship saw a new Audi entry this weekend. MTM Motorsport entered a single Audi R8 LMS driven by Oliver Mayer and Thomas Schöffler

The team’s red and silver car performed very well this weekend, round one of the championship. The duo placed well during practice and qualifying, each time placing within the top eight.

Race one saw the #45 MTM R8 LMS finish in seventh. The good result from race one was improved even further with a brilliant showing during race two. Thomas Schöffler was running near the front and as high as third at one point. He was running in fourth when he came in for the driver change. Oliver Mayer re-emerged onto the track in fourth after the pitstop. He eventually dropped to fifth and maintained the position to the finish.

The next GT Sprint round takes place alongside the Superstars Championship at Brno in May.  

Photo credit: Superstars Series

Superstars: Audi Sport Italia and MTM with three Audi RS5 quattro

By Tarek Ramchani

The International Superstars Series 2013 will start at Monza this weekend . It's the tenth edition of the Italian based touring car series open for production based big V8 coupes and sedans. Audi, the 2012 series champions, will have three Audi RS 5 quattro cars.

A major change at Audi this year is the departure of the 2012 driver champion Johan Kristoffersson. The Swedish ace will drive for Petri Corse with a Porsche Panamera.

The Audi teams for this season's competition are Audi Sport Italia and Audi Sport MTM. Audi Sport Italia will field a pair of RS 5 quattros for the team's star Gianni Morbidelli and Ferdinando Geri. MTM's car will be in the hands of the returning Thomas Schoffler. Last year the RS 5 was the best of the field, forcing the series organizers to give it major handicaps with extra weight and smaller restrictors yet Audi won the title in a dramatic finale at Pergusa.

Three old B7 Audi RS 4 were announced to enter the 2013 Superstars Series but they are not on Monza's round 1 entry list. The cars are from PRS NOS Racing.

A two-day format with both free and qualifying sessions set for Saturday, while the two races will take place on Sunday.

Photo credit: Audi Sport Italia / MTM

STS in Pergusa - Kristoffersson wins the Title - Schöffler breaks into Top Ten

MTM Press Release

The stage was set for the finals of the Superstar Series 2012 at the seasoned Pergusa race track, which surrounds the same-named volcanic lake on the island of Sicily. Many race pilots, regardless of what car they were driving, would have rather stepped on the gas at a more modern venue. Here, the deck was stacked against them - especially to the disappointment of the Audi drivers - while it brought safety risks for all participants.

The handicaps for the three RS 5s were mainly a result of the extra weight ruling for winning brands.
This affects acceleration as well as braking, at top speed, and has an especially adverse effect when hitting the curb. The additional weight pulls on the suspension, which is subjected to the most extreme endurance tests, particularly on two chicanes in Pegusa. In this respect, the 14th position of the candidate for the title, Johan Kristofferson, was not the result of a sudden loss of competence b ut rather the sum of all things - which easily tipped the scales. Thomas Schöffler, in the MTM RS 5, and Gianni Morbidelli were also not able to conjure up any magic against the laws of physics. The only thing that the Audi trio could count on, were position improvements due to failures by the competition. And the race brought it on: Kristofferson came in at fifth place in the first race, former Formula 1 pilot Gianni Morbidelli took sixth position and Thomas Schöffler fought his way into the top ten. Good prospects for a cockpit career can be expected for this 19-year-old newcomer, whose race alongside the experienced international players saw him come in at ninth place, which translated into eighth place when all chips were down.

Kristoffersson had to sweat to keep his narrow lead in the second run of the championship, especially since he was "torpedoed" from behind in the Pineta chicane, which ultimately totaled his RS 5. For safety reasons, Audi team manager Radaelli called the two remaining RS 5s, from Morbidelli and Schöffler, into the pit. When the day was over, Kristoffersson took the title, with a four-point lead.

Superstars Series: MTM pilot Thomas Schöffler makes it onto the podium

MTM Motorsport Press Release

Audi RS5s dominate the seventh round of the International Superstars Series in Vallelunga

"That was a groundbreaking weekend's racing - for Thomas and for MTM". So speaks Roland Mayer, waving happily to his 18-year-old protégé Thomas Schöffler, who - beaten only by his Swedish team colleague Johan Kristoffersson - is enjoying the fans' ovations from the second step of the podium.

The first race of the Superstars Series seventh meeting at the gates of the Eternal City followed on directly from the results of the qualifying race, which was clearly dominated by the three Audi RS5s. Thomas Schöffler benefited from the slipstream of his experienced team colleague Johan Kristoffersson and ex Formula 1 pilot Gianni Morbidelli to gain third starting position for his MTM- RS5.

Thomas Schöffler first podium this season

The starting line-up for the second race allocates positions one to eight based on the finishing times from the first race - but in reverse order. Schöffler succeeded in advancing from eighth to fourth place, which meant overtaking hard-bitten competitors such as Thomas Biagi and Giancarlo Fisichella. Following his triumph, Schöffler - the youngster in the international field - was full of praise for car and team: "This is the perfect introduction to international racing for me. It enables me to work as part of a team, learn from the old hands and appreciate the value of technical precision in MTM's conversion of my RS 5."
What more could you ask?

For more information regarding the hightech performance of the car manufacturer MTM have a look at www.MTM-online.de, on Facebook or call +49 841 9818824.

Audi RS5 complete domination with double victories at Vallelunga

By Tarek Ramchani

This was a great weekend for Audi at Vallelunga. The German brand totally dominated the entire weekend. Pole position and double race wins.

Johan Kristoffersson was the true hero at the seventh round of the International Superstars Series. A great pole positon yesterday and two outstanding and undisputed race wins today. Most importantly Kristoffersson took the lead of the series point standings from rival Vitantonio Liuzzi in his Mercedes-Benz with two round to go.

Thomas Schöffler - Audi Sport MTM

Kristoffersson may have dominated the weekend but young Thomas Schöffler from Germany also did well today. A strong second place finish in race 1 and a fine fourth in race for the MTM driver. It was an unlucky weekend for Gianni Morbidelli as the double Superstars Series champion had a DNF in the first race. In race two the Audi Sport Italia came home in sixth place, not bad starting from far behind in a very competitive field.

Overall it was another dream weekend for the Audi squad. After the domination of Spa-Francorchamps, at Vallelunga the Audi RS5 quattro again proved to be one of the best in the field, if not the best.

More information:
Superstars Series website

Gianni Morbidelli - Audi Sport Italia

Superstars Series: MTM-Pilot Thomas Schöffler picks up speed

MTM Motorsport Press Release

Newcomer Schöffler reaches phalanx oft he hp establishment and qualified the Audi RS5 for the 4th starting position. Just a narrow lead behind Audi Italia team collegue Gianni Morbidelli, a pilot with Formula 1 experience. Schöffler kept the distance to Johann Kristoffersson, the swedish pilot in the Audi team of just under 2/10 seconds.

The race turned the result upside down: Thomas Biaggi passed the finish line with his BMW as the winner, Johann Kristoffersson, till then overall leader was the fifth pilot coming in with his Audi RS5. Trying to drive out of the way of clashing combatants, Rookie Thomas Schöffler lost the connection to head group, he tried to catch up again with some fast laps, but in the long run he had to be satisfied with the tenth place. The same position he had in the second race, in which the leading Columbian Camilo Zurcher made contact with Domenico Ferlito and had to accept a 6th place. Roland Mayer, managing director of MTM is mainly content with the performance of Schöffler the young pilot: "It's better to have a pilot who is willing to learn and at the same time driving very fast - but not blind with rage driving into a bunch with no return. He was very fast at the qualifying."

The next race of the SUPERSTARS International Series takes place in SPA on the 14./15. July.

Photo credit: International Superstars Series

More information:
MTM Motorsport official website
MTM Motorsport official Facebook
International Superstars Series official website

RS5 Audis faced strong headwinds in Superstars meeting at Mugello

Audi Sport Italia Press Release

Johan Kristoffersson toils to maintain grip on Series' lead, whilst Gianni Morbidelli and Thomas Schoeffler wind up scoreless

In the run up to the Tuscany races the Superstars Series Committee had overhauled the spec sheets for the three RS5 entries, as after dominating the previous four rounds all Audis had to move their minimum weight up 100 kilos and morevoer an air restrictor had to be fitted to their V8 engines. None the less, although all the Audi Sport Italia-built cars had struggled on Saturday to show the pace they had showcased at Imola and Donington Park it was neither their poor top speed (due to the air restrictor) nor the clumsy handling (courtesy of the new... diet) that spoiled the Audi drivers' Sunday, but rather shunts for both Gianni Morbidelli and Thomas Schoeffler respectively in race 1 and race 2.

Luckily for the Audi campaign the lone RS5 driver who managed to escape nearly unscathed from the Mugello rounds was Johan Kristofferson: in an eventful weekend a fourth and a seventh place were enough to grant the rookie not only to keep the lead in the standings, but also to extend his margin over polesitter Thomas Biagi by a point. 

Race 1 got off to a dramatic start as local hero Sandro Bettini turned into a public enemy as he triggered a five-car melee at Turn 1. Morbidelli, who had been squeezed out of a few positions on the main straight found himself with nowhere to go but into Bettini's M3. As his Camozzi RS5 was also rammed by rookie Andrea Boffo's Jaguar, the damage sustained to the car was massive enough to force the Pesaro-born driver to skip also the afternoon round. Whilst the Turn 1 mishap made Morbidelli drop in the International Series points standings from fourth to sixth -- both Mugello winners Andrea Larini and Francesco Sini moved past him -- it nearly killed off Morbidelli's hope of a title fight for the sideshow, the Italian Superstars crown, which unlike the International Standings is made up of only 10 rounds, with only four to go.

Race 1 was stuck behind the safety car in the four initial laps while the cars were removed from the track. When the green flags were waved Andrea Larini and Johnny Herbert staged an entertaing battle to claim their first season win and finishing in the order. Meanwhile Kristoffersson --who had qualified on P7 in the KMS RS5-- staged a race-long battle with Stefano Gabellini's BMW. While battling each other the duo managed to leapfrog former F1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi, whose AMG Mercedes wound up fifth, a spot behind the Audi, which missed a Top3 finish by only 0.794s.

There wasn't a dearth of close battle for MTM Motorsport-run Audi, as well. Thomas Schoeffler, starting from P15, wound up spending most of his morning at the quick and demanding Italian circuit glued to the fender of Mauro Cesari's Maserati. The pair was at the rear end of a fiery 7-car pack that had been bunched up by the 4-lap caution spell. The 18-year German finished 11th, failing to add to his box score by just seven tenths of a second, pretty much in the mold of fellow rookie Kristoffersson.

The afternoon race missed -- besides Morbidelli's company -- the thrill of Race 1 as the top spot from the reversed grid was early on occupied by Indonesia's Ananda Mikola, who had then to relinquish the lead to eventual winner Sini and after the half-race mark let go the charging BMW pair of Stefano Gabellini and Biagi. The Audis struggled early on to contain the charge from the beefier and/or swiftier rivals. Kristoffersson tried to stave off the Maseratis' assault but to no avail, and then found himself in the middle of a wild bunch of six cars, most of the time trying to contain Paolo Meloni's moves in the long straight and passing him by in the sweeping corners. The rookie Swede nipped the BMW driver for P7.

The other Audi entry, the MTM Motorsport RS5, again tried hard to sneak back in the Top10. Whilst the things had tourned sour early for Morbidelli, Schoeffler had to wait until nearly the end for bad news. Besides battling oversteer, the young German found himself stuck behind Nico Caldarola's AMG Mercedes, and it was not enough for Schoeffler to improve his fastest lap over and over, as the power edge of Caldarola's car made it an ordeal to move past the former rally driver. Then on lap 12 the Italian seemed to think that blocking wasn't enough and he braked at the esses. The RS5 nudged the C63 rear fender, and an engine sensor most likely failed in the contact, forcing Schoeffler to pit early. A blunt discussion between the battling duo ensued, but the Stewards did not deem the contact worth of further provision and the afternoon came to a close with bitter feelings and no points for the German rookie.

INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTARS SERIES 2012

Mugello, June 3 - Round 7
1. Andrea Larini (AMG Mercedes) 11 laps 28'40.453 avg speed 120.725 kph
2. Johnny Herbert (Maserati) + 0.421
3. Stefano Gabellini (BMW) + 7.138
4. JOHAN KRISTOFFERSSON (AUDI RS5)+ 7.932
5. Vitantonio Liuzzi (AMG Mercedes) +12.268
../..
11. THOMAS SCHÖFFLER (AUDI RS5) +17.651
../..
Rtd. GIANNI MORBIDELLI(AUDI RS5) 0 laps

Mugello, June 3 - Round 8
1. Francesco Sini (Chevrolet) 14 laps 28'04.029 avg speed 156.974 kph
2. Stefano Gabellini (BMW) + 0.731s
3. Thomas Biagi (BMW) + 4.753s
4. Ananda Mikola (AMG Mercedes) +9.587s
5. Vitantonio Liuzzi (AMG Mercedes) + 10.273s
6. Mauro Cesari (AMG Mercedes) + 10.717s
7. JOHAN KRISTOFFERSSON (AUDI RS5) + 11.427s
../..
15. THOMAS SCHÖFFLER (AUDI RS5) + 3 laps
DNS GIANNI MORBIDELLI(AUDI RS5)

Drivers points standings after 8 rounds:
1. JOHAN KRISTOFFERSSON 101 points; 2. Thomas Biagi 84 pts.; 3. Vitantonio Liuzzi 82 pts.; 4. Andrea Larini 70 pts.; 5. Francesco Sini 66 pts.; 6. GIANNI MORBIDELLI 64 pts.; ../.. 11. THOMAS SCHÖFFLER 24 pts.

Photo credit: Superstars Series

More information:
Audi Sport Italia official Facebook
Superstars Series official website

MTM RS 5 pilot Thomas Schöffler has the speed, but doesn’t succeed

MTM Motorsport Press Release

The Audi Italia RS 5 took pleasure in dominating the track at the third international racing series held in England at Donington Park. Gianni Morbidelli was victorious in both races and thereby not only left his fellow teammate, Swedish driver Johan Kristoffersson, far behind him, but even the well-equipped competition from AMG, BMW, Chevrolet and Maserati.

Eighteen-year old Thomas Schöffler made an outstanding impression behind the wheel of his MTM-tuned Audi RS 5, secured a first-row starting spot after the qualifying round, drove the fastest round in the first heat; with team colleague and former Formula One pilot Morbidelli ultimately coming in right before him. The potential of the combination of MTM technology and Schöffler's driving expertise was clearly featured, but unfortunately the mandatory ignition spark didn't fly at the crucial moment. Schöffler had to start from the pit lane, because his RS 5 wouldn't get going at the start line. Schöffler ranked sixth at the end of the first race, but was demoted to spectator-status in the second race since the cable bug could not be discovered in time.

"Probably a faulty ignition box", according to Schöffler and: "You'll see me right up front at the next race in Mugello." MTM boss Roland Mayer is pleased with the results from his first racing performance: "Racing - on any level - is not only about standing on the winner's podium when it's all over. The team is there to develop high-speed race-worthy components and to safely present them in time at the next race. That makes this an excellent learning experience for us."

In the overall standing, which is led by Johan Kristoffersson, Thomas Schöffler currently ranks ninth. The next meeting of the V8 Superstars Series is scheduled for June 2-3, 2012 in Mugello

Photo credit: Superstars Series

More information:
MTM Motorsport official website
Superstars Series official website

Audi RS5 - Superstars Series - MTM

The Audi RS5 ready for Battle of Britain at Donington Park

By Tarek Ramchani

The International Superstars Series is heading to Donington Park this weekend for round 3. The three Audi teams fielding the RS5 will be there.

The Audi RS5 debuted earlier this year at Monza. The car didn't win on its but did show a phenomenal pace and potential. At Imola for round 2 it was full domination by the RS5. Pole position, two race victories and the fastest lap in all the weekend’s sessions. Johan Kristofferson and team Kristofferson Motorsport performed a perfect weekend at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit, Imola.

At Donington Audi Sport Italia will field the #45 Audi RS5 for driver Gianni Morbidelli. The two times Superstars Series champion is no stranger to Donington Park. The Italian touring car ace raced there in the BTCC during the 1990s. Kristofferson Motorsport, the team who dominated at Imola last time out will have their #46 Audi RS5 for Johan Kristofferson. The young Swedish driver is having a stunting season Superstars debut and further success with a double victory in the first round of the Scandinavian Touring Car Championship with a factory backed VW Sirocco. Kristofferson is currently leading the overall Superstars Series drivers standing. At Donington he will once again be targeting for race wins and to keep the championship lead. The third RS5 will be entered by MTM Motorsport for the team's regular driver Thomas Schoeffler. The young German driver raced the old Audi RS4 at Monza before switching to the new Audi RS5 at Imola.

At Donington the Audi squad again will have to fight against the top quality field and strong competitors. The main rivals will come from BMW and AMG Mercedes-Benz. As the Superstars Series is a "Performance Balanced" championship, we are expecting very strong performances from the Audi RS5, but not the same domination as at Imola last time out. Both Superstars Series races are set for Sunday with the Audi RS5 cars ready for this "Battle of Britain".

Photo credit: Superstarts Series

More information:
Superstars Series official website
Audi Sport Italia official Facebook
Kristoffersson Motorsport official website
MTM official website

Gianni Morbidello - Audi RS5 - Audi Sport Italia

Johan Kristoffersson - Audi RS5 - Kristoffersson Motorsport

Thomas Schoeffler - Audi RS5 - MTM Motorsport

Audi RS5 and Johan Kristoffersson dominate Superstars at Imola

By Johan Laubscher

The second round of the Italian Superstars series was held at Imola and it got off to a fast start for the Audi RS5s. Johan Kristoffersson was immediately fast in practice along with the other two Audis. In qualifying all three Audis finished in the top seven with Johan Kristoffersson taking his maiden pole position. Thomas Schoffler took seventh and Gianni Morbidelli fourth. The first race was an Audi formation, Morbidelli quickly moved up to second behind Johan Kristoffersson and the two Audi RS5s moved away from the field. The two battled hard until Morbidelli tried to pass Kristoffersson on the last lap but contact occurred which damaged Morbidelli's RS5 and dropped him to seventeenth with his car engulfed in flames. Johan Kristoffersson came through to win the race, a remarkable victory in the young Swede’s rookie year and his first race at Imola. Thomas Schoffler finished ninth in his first race with the RS5. Race two would see complete domination by the young Swedish driver Johan Kristoffersson. He made it a successful double for the weekend and a fact to behold: every session of the weekend in which he competed he was fastest/the winner (he did not take part in practice session two). Thomas Schoffler completed the Audi success with a top five finish and Morbidelli finished lower down in race 2.

More information:

Superstars Series official website

Superstars Series official Facebook

Audi Sport Italia official Facebook

 

Superstars at Imola - Race 1 Highlights

Superstars at Imola - Race 2 Highlights

 

Photos hosted at http://www.superstars.it/

Johan Kristoffersson - Kristoffersson Motorsport - Audi RS5

Gianni Morbidelli - Audi Sport Italia - Audi RS5

Thomas Schoffler - MTM Motorsport - Audi RS5

Johan Kristoffersson with the Audi RS5 on pole position at Imola's Superstars Series

By Tarek Ramchani

The brand new Audi RS5 from Audi Sport Italia debuted at Monza and did quite well. Today the big V8 powered coupe did even better by taking a storming pole position.

Right from the start at Imola the Audi RS5 was among the fastest on track. In the first free practice session, Swedish rookie Johan Kristofferson was the quickest with his #46 Audi. Gianni Morbidelli with the #45 car from Audi Sport Italia finished in a very strong third. The third Audi RS5 of Thomas Schoffler driving for MTM Motorsport was fourteenth. In the second free practice session, Gianni Morbidelli got a nice third. Schoffler was tenth, while Kristofferson didn't take part of that session

In the qualifying session the three Audi RS5 cars were really strong. Johan Kristofferson set the fastest time and took a great pole position. A brilliant result for the Swedish youngster at his second Superstars Series event and he has never been at the Imola circuit before. The strong performance of the Audi RS5 was completed by a great fourth place finish for Gianni Morbidelli. The MTM run car of Thomas Schoffler landed in seventh, last time out the young German driver raced the old B7 Audi RS4. A very good job from the three Audi teams.

At Monza the Audi RS5 was really strong for its debut. This weekend at Imola, the car is clearly one of the strongest, if not the strongest of the field. Starting from pole will give extra chances for Audi to take its first win of the season in the demanding Superstars Series. Both races are set for tomorrow at the famous Enzo & Dino Ferrari circuit.

Qualifying Results:
1 - Johan Kristoffersson - Audi RS5
2 - Andrea Larini - AMG Mercedes-Benz C63
3 - Thomas Biagi - BMW M3
4 - Gianni Morbidelli - Audi RS5
5 - Tonio Liuzzi - AMG Mercedes-Benz C63
6 - Francesco Sini - Chevrolet Lumina
7 - Thomas Schoffler - Audi RS5

Photo Credits: International Superstars Series and Audi Sport Italia

Audi Sport Italia RS5 - positive debut at Monza

 By Johan Laubscher

The debut of the Audi RS5 in the Italian Superstars championship has been one that the fans have been waiting to see for a very long time. Two of the new RS5 race cars debuted at the first round of the 2012 Superstars season at Monza and the cars did not disappoint.

The first long awaited photos of the car landed on the internet on the Friday of the race weekend and there was immediately a buzz surrounding the look of the new RS5. Some love it, some hate it, but you have to admit it has an extremely aggressive appearance. Two of the new cars were ready and were driven by Italian Gianni Morbidelli (Audi Sport Italia) and Swede Johan Kristoffersson (Kristoffersson Motorsport). The third RS5 was not ready in time for the Monza event and the third driver Thomas Schöffler (MTM Motorsport) drove one of the older RS4 cars.

The weekend got off to a rocky start in practice with the new cars having quite a few problems. Johan Kristoffersson did show the potential of the car in free practice 2 by setting the third fastest time. Thomas Schöffler had strong showings in the old car an even qualified 11th. Qualifying was a disaster for the RS5s with no Audis in the top 10, both RS5 cars had difficulties.

Johan Kristoffersson #46 RS5 leads Gianni Morbidelli #45 RS5 during race 1

As race day dawned Audi fans feared for a bad day, but these fears were unnecessary. All three Audis stormed into the top 10 in race 1. The Audi front being led by Johan Kristoffersson and a charging Gianni Morbidelli who had started at the back of the grid. Johan held his own in his debut race to finish fifth and Morbidelli finished in seventh. Schöffler was in the top 10 for most of the race but dropped to twelfth in the closing laps.

Race two saw Gianni Morbidelli charging at the front in a battle for the lead. He held second position for the closing phases of the race, but right at the end of the race Gianni Morbidelli lost second place and eventually finished in fifth. However he was clearly one of the fastest cars on the track, backed up by his lap time figures. Both his teammates unfortunately retired from race 2.

The new RS5 has silenced the critics, the car clearly has potential and its 4.2 V8 engine can more than hold its own with the big V8 monsters in the Italian Superstars series. A very strong race debut and Audi fans are looking forward to the next round of the series set for Imola on the 22^nd of April.

Cover photo by Stefano Ciabattoni
All other photos are hosted at Superstars.it

More Information:

Audi Sport Italia FB fans page 

Superstars Series FB page 

Superstars Series website 

Video highlights of race 1

Video highlights of race 2

Gianni Morbidelli #45 RS5 (Audi Sport Italia)

 Johan Kristoffersson #46 RS5 (Kristoffersson Motorsport)

Thomas Schöffler #47 RS4 (MTM Motorsport)