5.1.2004
Opel Motorsport 2004

With test sessions at Vallelunga, Italy, not too far from Rome, Opel Performance concluded the DTM-activities in the year 2003. During the test, Opel's two new signings for the 2004 DTM-season, former F1-driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Swiss Marcel Fässler were driving an Opel Astra V8 Coupé for the first time.

"The DTM-Opel is more fun to drive than I had expected", Frentzen reported after his first impressions. "It almost drives like a sports car and the powerful engine provides plenty of torque." Fässler was also positive about his first experience with the Opel Astra V8 Coupé. "I felt at ease right away. Especially the engine is really good", said the Swiss.

At Vallelunga, Opel's DTM-test driver Marcel Tiemann carried out tyre tests with the latest generation of DTM's exclusive supplier Dunlop in preparation for the new season. Additionally, two young drivers got an opportunity to drive: German André Lotterer and Frenchman Romain Dumas. They showed a consistent performance with the Opel Astra V8 Coupé. Opel's motorsport manager Volker Strycek summed up: "We are very happy with the results of this test. It has shown that Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Marcel Fässler are two strong new drivers within our team for the upcoming season. During the test, André Lotterer and Romain Dumas made a strong impression and did a good job."