Jarvis handed early Christmas present

Audi has confirmed that Oliver Jarvis will drive a latest-spec car for the 2010 DTM season.

Jarvis, who finished ninth in the standings this season at the wheel of a year-old car, will take the place of Tom Kristensen in the Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline line-up after the Dane retired from DTM competition at the end of 2009.

Having secured history this year when he became the first driver to secure pole position in a year-old car, the Briton will now seek to secure his breakthrough victory next year and the former F3 ace said he was thrilled with the opportunity handed to him.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity by Audi Sport,” he said. “I’ve been working hard with Audi for the past two years to achieve this opportunity which will allow me to fight for race wins throughout the entire season.

“I’m going to be up against three very competent drivers in identical cars at Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline but I’m already eagerly looking forward to that challenge.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself at Phoenix and I’d like to thank them sincerely but of course it’s always difficult to maintain your competitiveness in a year-old car compared to the latest specification machines throughout the entire season.”