The DTM manufacturers used the five-week racing break to go out for two days of testing. Audi tested at Magny-Cours, the venue of the French Grand Prix, and focused on testing different set-ups, and Mercedes-Benz went testing at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz with Mika Häkkinen and Bernd Schneider working on general preparations for remainder of the season.

While Brands Hatch represents virgin soil for Mercedes-Benz, Audi has already gathered a lot of experience, there. “We often have been successful there, with our touring cars,” says Audi Motorsport Director Dr Wolfgang Ullrich. “Usually, the racing there is extremely close and thrilling. I am convinced that the DTM round at Brands Hatch will turn out to be motor racing at its very best.” Ullrich’s most popular signing of the 2006 season - Heinz Harald Frentzen - is of the same opinion. “The race will be hot as the circuit is spectacular and unforgiving,” predicts the 1997 Formula 1 World Championship runner-up. “Actually, the set-up isn’t difficult but will turn out to be crucial, nevertheless. Brands Hatch has got only four turns and the car has to handle perfectly in each of these corners. The circuit is short and the lap times will be very close together. This means that hundredths of a second will be vital.”

Action and attractions not only on the track alone.
Whenever DTM makes a stop at a venue, the visitors may look forward to experiencing more than just a thrilling battle for points and the win. Traditionally, there’s also top class entertainment provided in the environment of every DTM round. Apart from numerous autograph sessions with the DTM aces, the popular pit-walk or the ‘FAN TV’, broadcasted via the huge video screens, there will be two additional highlights spicing up the Brands Hatch weekend: both on Saturday (14.30 to 14.50hrs) and Sunday (14.30 to 14.55hrs), the Carmichael-Extreme-Bike-Show will thrill the crowds with its spectacular motorbike stunts. And on Sunday, when the 480bhp cars are prepared for rolling onto the grid, the parachute-artist squad ‘Red Devils’ will land at 13.40hrs on the track to hand the checkered flag to the Race Director. In England, the ‘Red Devils’ are well-known: after all, they are the official Parachute Regiment and British Army parachute display team.