Interview with Biaggi about DTM

At Mugello, four times’ motor cycle world champion Max Biaggi will be visiting thesixth round of the DTM. In the support programme, the Italian will be driving the Audi A4 DTM race taxi and will be doing some demonstration laps with his superbike. Biaggi talks about his impression of the DTM and reveals the key points of the 5.425 kilometres long circuit in Tuscany.

Max, you are a multiple champion on two wheels. Did racing on four wheels ever cross your mind as well?
Back in 1999, I was given the chance to test a Formula 1 car. It was a present by Ferrari president, Luca di Montezemolo. He wanted me to test the Ferrari. For me, it was a great thing and I did a total of 65 laps at Fiorano. It really was fun and I found out that it wasn’t difficult at all doing lap times that were four or five seconds slower than the fastest time. But I think, finding these remaining seconds to be really out in front takes months. Formula 1 drivers must be born for it. These days, changing from two to four wheels is hardly possible anymore when you want to race at a high level.

Let’s talk about the DTM. What is your impression of the DTM?
The DTM is providing great competition and watching the races on TV is fun. It seems to me that the drivers are having a good time as well driving side-by-side. Moreover, the Audi and Mercedes-Benz cars are very closely together. It is similar to the Superbike world championship. For any good driver, it hardly makes a difference for which manufacturer he is racing.

What do you consider as the biggest fascination in the DTM?
The cars are very different from Formula 1 cars. Even though they are proper race cars, at least they have some similarities with road-going cars. I find it also intersting to see how the young drivers are doing against former F1-driver Mika Häkkinen and that they are able to win races.

You will be visiting the Mugello DTM round. Please, tell our readers what they can expect.
It will be the first DTM race I will be watching live. I know the Mugello circuit very well and I am convinced that this is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world. There are a lot of nice parts, fast and slow corners, up-and-down sections. The final corner can be decisive, because here, you must try and take as many speed as possible onto the straight of more than one kilometre. Watching the DTM there will be exciting and I expect to have a lot of fun at Mugello!