Visitors can look forward to an action-packed programme for the official pre-season presentation of the DTM at the Königsallee in Düsseldorf. The noble shopping boulevard in the Rhine city will provide a suitable backdrop on Sunday, April 6th, from 13.00 to 18.00 h. Of course, the drivers from the most popular international touring car series will take centre stage, among them DTM’s new signing Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) and reigning DTM champion Mattias Ekström (Audi). The schedule of events also includes an oldtimer parade and a stunt show. The top acts on the show stage are Jennifer Paige and the band “Revolverheld”.

For the third time, Düsseldorf will be hosting the DTM’s pre-season presentation. “Düsseldorf is a car city, Düsseldorf is a lifestyle city, which is why the DTM really fits for Düsseldorf”, said mayor Joachim Erwin at the occasion of a preliminary press conference in Düsseldorf’s town hall on Wednesday. DTM drivers Ralf Schumacher and Mattias Ekström are also looking forward to the event: “Being in Düsseldorf is always nice, so I am really looking forward to the presentation”, said Schumacher. “Driving in a city with a DTM car is always something special. In Düsseldorf, fans can get closer to the cars and the drivers than anywhere else. I am looking forward to Düsseldorf“, added Ekström.

The impressive DTM machines from Audi and Mercedes-Benz will be out for some demonstration laps at the Königsallee. The new Audi A4 DTM will be shown for the first time in public in Germany. Pit stop demonstrations require maximum performance by the team members while the power of the approx. 480 hp strong race touring cars will be transferred to the asphalt during the start demonstrations. The drivers’ presentation will see the DTM drivers walking around the track and signing autographs. The event will be hosted by ARD anchorman Claus Lufen, who will be supported by Oliver Pocher.

Historic car lovers will find a lot to their liking during the oldtimer parade. Twenty classic cars including a supercharged 1929 Mercedes-Benz, an AC Cobra, a Jaguar XK and a Ferrari Daytona Competizione will be out on the temporary track at the Königsallee. British stuntman Terry Grant, who already featured during last year’s DTM round at Brands Hatch with his car show, and a motorcycle stunt team, will show some stunning action on two and four wheels. The DTM’s support categories Formula 3 Euro Series, Porsche Carrera Cup, SEAT Leon Supercopa and ADAC VW Polo Cup will also be present during the pre-season presentation in Düsseldorf, providing some genuine racing atmosphere along the track.

The programme of the 2008 DTM presentation

Sunday, April 6th
13.00 h	Start of the DTM presentation at the Königsallee, introduction of the drivers and interviews on stage
13.25 h	DTM demonstration runs
13.30 h	Drivers’ presentation at the Königsallee with grid girls, parade of flags, DTM drivers signing autographs along the track
14.25 h	Oldtimer parade (approx. 20 historic cars.)
Ca. 14.40 h	Live-concerts by Jennifer Paige and Revolverheld
Ca. 15.25 h	DTM demonstration runs, DTM pit stops, start-Demonstration
Ca. 16.25 h	Stuntshow
Ca. 16.40 h	Demonstration runs support series: Formula 3 Euro Series, Porsche Carrera Cup, Seat Leon Supercopa, VW Polo Cup
Ca. 17.00 h	DTM taxi rides
Ca. 17.40 h	“Goodbye” lap of the DTM drivers at the track
18.00 h	End of the event