Le Mans winner Capello to debut in Shanghai DTM.

Last Sunday, Audi works driver Rinaldo Capello won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the second time, driving an Audi R8 fielded by Team Goh. The success has now led to the Italian being offered the chance to make his DTM debut with the German marque.

Capello has been invited to drive an additional Audi A4 DTM in the invitation race in Shanghai on 18 July. 'Dindo' will drive the Audi Sport test car, which will be looked after by Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest, in the Chinese non-championship event. Audi-supported Peter Terting will return to DTM action at the same event, lining up in an Abt-Audi TT-R. Audi will enter a total of eight cars at the 'flyaway' race in China, with Christian Abt, Mattias Ekstr?m, Tom Kristensen and Martin Tomczyk - all with Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline - as well as Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro - both Audi Sport Infineon Team Joest - already slated to drive their regular race cars.

"I'm really looking forward to my first race in the DTM as the series has always interested me," Capello admitted, "Obviously, I know just how hard the DTM is, but I'll get tips from my colleagues and prepare myself well. I want to make the most of this opportunity - you never know, maybe I can raise a few eyebrows in Shanghai."

The 40-year old - who celebrated his birthday with the news of his DTM involvement - played a successful part in Audi's touring car programme between 1994 and 1998, before swapping to sports prototypes with the works team. He is the American Le Mans Series' most successful driver, having racked up a total of 16 victories alongside the likes of Allan McNish and Tom Kristensen, is considered a street circuit specialist, which will stand him in good stead for Shanghai.

"I simply like street races," he said,, "Nevertheless, Shanghai will be a very special challenge, as there is very little practice time available there and, up to now, I have completed a mere six laps in a DTM car."

Terting, meanwhile, leads the German SEAT Leon Supercopa after five races, and acts as an instructor for the ADAC VW Polo Cup. He became the youngest ever DTM competitor in 2003, but struggled to match the performances of his team-mates.

"I'm really very happy that I'll be able to start for Audi again at this extraordinary race," he said, "Shanghai is an incredibly interesting city, and there will definitely be a unique atmosphere around the circuit in the city centre."