DTM driver Lucas Auer in Spielberg: Mercedes-Benz DTM driver Lucas Auer did not want to miss the ADAC GT Masters at the Red Bull Ring. Auer followed the ADAC GT Masters and ADAC Formula 4 races and presented trophies in both series at the awards ceremony. The nephew of ex-Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger made himself available to fans during the autograph session on Saturday afternoon. Auer was immediately taken with the new ADAC Formula 4: "What has been achieved here is certainly very impressive. As far as I can see, this is the best entry level class in motor racing. 15 and 16-year-old junior racing drivers should gain experience in the ADAC Formula 4 and then move up to Formula 3."
KTM boss invited to the ADAC GT Masters: On Sunday, Stefan Pierer, CEO of KTM AG and KTM Motorcycle AG also came to Spielberg along with KTM chairman Hubert Trunkenpolz. The two KTM managers followed a number of events, including the GT4 Euro Series. A spectacular KTM X-Bow GT4, developed by KTM in conjunction with Reiter Engineering is lining up in the GT4 Euro Series which is at the Red Bull Ring for the first of three starts this year along with the ADAC GT Masters. Pierer and Trunkenpolz, who are responsible for development of the KTM sportscar, were delighted with a KTM victory by the two Austrians, Peter Ebner/Sascha Halek in the first race.
ADAC soap-box derby: On Friday evening, the Red Bull Ring was the venue for the first ADAC Masters soap-box derby. ADAC GT Masters team principals and team managers fought for victory, racing identical soap-boxes in team colours over a circuit on the start-finish straight in a knock-out competition. Zakspeed team principal and ex-racing driver Peter Zakowski won through in the final against the team fielded by BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert. The team bosses then enjoyed a barbecue together to round off the evening.
Reiter celebrate: The paddock party organised by Reiter Engineering on Saturday night at the Red Bull Ring has become a nice tradition. The Lamborghini team had every reason to celebrate after Saturday's victory by David Russell and Tomas Enge which made Team Principal Hans Reiter change his plans. He had been at a race in Belgium but arrived in Spielberg late on Saturday night to celebrate his team's first ADAC GT Masters victory in four years.
Track presentation by C Abt Racing: ADAC GT Masters fans should pay a visit to C Abt Racing on Youtube. During the season, defending champion Kelvin van Linde will present video clips, showing an onboard view of the tracks at upcoming events. The Audi driver will use the ADAC GT Masters Experience racing simulation developed by official ADAC GT Masters series partner, RaceRoom.
Speedy departure: Klaus Bachler, Jeroen Bleekemolen and Nicki Thiim will be in a hurry on Sunday evening. The three ADAC GT Masters drivers will travel directly from Austria to France for the Le Mans 24-hours race. The ADAC GT Masters drivers must be at public technical scrutineering on Monday. Bachler will be in a Porsche, Bleekemolen in a Dodge Viper and Thiim in an Aston Martin next weekend in Le Mans, battling for victory in the GT class.