DTM: Alexandre Premat dropped in favor of Darryl O'Young

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At the DTM’s finale in Shanghai, Audi will contest a race for the first time with a Chinese driver in its line-up: Darryl O’Young from Hong Kong will replace the Frenchman Alexandre Prémat in the cockpit of the Audi A4 DTM at the eleventh DTM race of the 2010 season.

Audi gives 30-year-old O’Young an opportunity to contest his "home race" in the Audi A4 DTM. The Chinese was born in Vancouver, Canada and currently lives in Hong Kong.

Darryl O’Young (Photo: Audi)

Premat’s relationship with Audi became more tensed earlier this season when he triggered a Lausitzring collision that ruined works drivers Mattias Ekstrom and Timo Scheider's races.

His race in Adria ended in a ferocious early accident , which he escaped unhurt despite rolling several times.

Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport explained differences of opinion had led to Premat losing his seat.

“The decision to give Alexandre Prémat leave of absence before his contract expires wasn’t an easy one for us. Unfortunately, though, opinions on important topics most recently differed too much. We would like to thank him for his work during the past four years and wish him all the best for his future career,” said Ullrich.

Darryl O’Young’s career includes championship wins in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia in 2006 and 2008 and victories at the 2008 Merdeka Millennium Race plus the 2008 Macau GT Cup.

In addition, the Chinese has gathered racing experience in the FIA GT Championship, in the Porsche Supercup and in the World Touring Car Championship.