Audi confirms Frentzen switch.

Weeks after admitting that it had hopes of keeping the former F1 pilot in the series, Audi has finally confirmed that Heinz-Harald Frentzen had signed to bolster its DTM squad.

The erstwhile Opel driver will line up in an evolution of the A4 DTM run by Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, and will get his first chance to test the machine at the official DTM test at Vallelunga from tomorrow [Wednesday]. He has already had a seat fitting with the team, and briefly dropped in on the annual training camp to meet up with his new team-mates and the rest of the enlarged Audi family.

"It's time for me to win some DTM races and fight for championship honours," Frentzen said of his new deal, having struggled to make an impression with Opel, which quit the series at the end of 2005.

The German, who switched to the DTM when his F1 career came to a halt in 2003, has two front row starts and pair of podium finishes to his credit from two seasons in touring cars.

"I'm delighted that Audi is giving me the chance to show the DTM fans exactly what I can do in a touring car," he continued, "I've always been a fan of the Audi brand, with their modern design and their technical expertise, and they have been one of the most successful manufacturers for years in motorsport."

The regard, it would seem is mutual, as Audi's Jurgen Pippig claiming that Frentzen was important to the series and needed to be retained if the necessary backing could be found.

"We are convinced of his driving skills," head of motorsport Dr Wolfgang Ullrich confirmed, "He showed what he was capable of in F1 and, in our opinion, Heinz-Harald hasn't previously been able to show his true potential in the DTM. We also know that he is very popular with both the fans and media - it's a reflection of his personality."

Frentzen completes Audi's 'factory-supported' line-up, joining Christian Abt, Mattias Ekstr??m, Pierre Kaffer, Tom Kristensen, Frank Stippler, Timo Scheider and Martin Tomczyk. The only available seat now remains at the customer team run by Midland MF1 MD Colin Kolles, who has signed Vanina Ickx to his new two-car team. Frentzen's arrival also points toward the end of Allan McNish's involvement in the DTM, although the Scot remains part of the family, and can be expected to feature in the new R10 sportscar programme.