Audi's Eꦗdoardo Mortara believes Russia's first ever DTM race will be a 'resounding success' as the Iꦍtalian embarks on his third season.

Mortara, who enjoyed his most successful DTM season to date with two victories in 2012, spoke of his enthusiasm for the race during a recent fan event at Moscow's ico🍬nic Red Square alongside Audi team mate and former champion Mattias E⭕kstrom.

The Italian admitted he wasᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚ surprised by the level of interest as the series unveiled itself to Russiꦺa.

"This was my first visit to Russ🃏ia. It was really exciting to be standing on Red Square with the Audi A5 DTM. I was particularly surprised about the high interest of the media," said the Italian.

"They [the fans] were clearly thrilled. I haven't🌌 signed such a large number of autographs as I did at this event in a long time."

☂The 26-year old also expects to see a full house come August 4th when the Moscow Race🐲way will host the first ever Russian round.

"After my experiences during this brief visit I'm sure🧜 that the race will be a resounding succ♍ess. The people are obviously very enthusiastic about motorsport. I'm already looking forward to running there.

"I'm definitely expecting to see fu🐈ll grandstands at the race and am already excited about my next visit to this fascinating metropolis," Mortara concluded.

by Simon Evans