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DTM Moscow preview: normal service resumed?

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Following the victory of the Mercedes DTM squad and Robert Wickens at the Norisring, the 2014 DTM season heads to Moscow for the second consecutive year.

While the Mercedes and BMW DTM squads are have scored two DTM victories a piece in 2014, the Mercedes teams, HWA and Mücke, aren’t entirely sure their most recent victory is the sign the tough start to their 2014 DTM campaign is over.

While Mercedes’ expectations going into the Moscow are moderate, the race is also instrumental for the Stuttgart-based manufacturer as in the guise of Vitaly Petrov, for the first time in the 30 years of the DTM it brings a Russian driver to the series.

There’s not denying ex-Formula 1 driver Petrov has had a trying start to his DTM career. Since the 2014 DTM season started back in May, the Russian has struggled to qualify off the back row and has yet to score a point.

Going into the race, Petrov is under no illusions the support from the Russian home crowd will allow him to challenge DTM points leader Marco Wittmann. His objective? Continually increase the profile of the DTM in Russia.

“I hope that I can play my part in the DTM to raise awareness of our sport in my country,” said the Russian ahead of his race. “Obviously, I’m looking forward to my home race in Moscow, especially as I’ve rarely had the opportunity to compete in the country of my birth.

Despite the interruption of qualifying in 2013 by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who closed the airspace over the circuit as a result of a personal flyover, the race – won by 2013 DTM champion Mike Rockenfeller – was a success.

Petrov added that in 2014, the DTM drivers will also be racing on an extended version of the Moscow Raceway which lies some 90 minute from the heart of the Russian capital.

“This year, we’re racing on a longer version of the circuit. That should make it even more fun. I’m [also] expecting many of my fans and friends to be there at the Moscow Raceway, so it should be a really good weekend.”

And it should be. There’s no doubt that the race was decent. Just don’t expect Petrov to trouble the Audi or BMW teams.

Moscow Raceway track details:

Track length: 3.9 kilometers

Laps: 83

Lap Record: Adrien Tambay, (Audi), 58.999 seconds (2013)

Previous winners:

2013: Mike Rockenfeller (Audi)