Robert Wickens fastest in first official 2013 DTM test
Robert Wickens topped the first official DTM test of 2013 at Barcelona. The Mercedes driver lapped the circuit in 1:06.735, a mere 0.052 seconds faster than BMW driver Martin Tomczyk.
DTM newcomer Daniel Juncadella showed strong form in his first official DTM test with third fastest time, 0.122 from Wickens’ time, with Mike Rockenfeller in fourth and champion Bruno Spengler in fifth.
The main feature of the test was the new DRS (Drag Reduction System), visible in the image below, and an option tyre from Hankook. Spengler was one of the driver to test the new DRS system.
“You can feel increased pleasant anticipation of the season everywhere. The day of testing was okay – we successfully completed our scheduled programme. Of course, the new option tyres and the DRS made for extra excitement. When it comes to the tyres, we took a close look on the impact the new spec makes over a longer distance. And we learned a lot by doing so. The DRS quite obviously is big fun for a racing driver. You clearly feel that you can change up earlier and that the top speed on the straights is higher. That’s something you have to accustom to and you have to focus on finding the limit lap by lap. Therefore, the tests here at Barcelona – and the ones in three weeks at Hockenheim too – are so important,” said Spengler.
Testing continues at Barcelona during the this week. Next track to test at for the teams is Hockenheim from the 9th to 12th of April.
