Photo: DTM Media

Hockenheim preview: Light up the tarmac

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With just three days to go until DTM’s class of 2013 lights up the tarmac for the Hockenheim season opener, TouringCarTimes takes a look at one of the most popular races on the calendar; so popular in fact, that October’s season is at the very same track.

Located in the region of Baden-Wurttemberg region of Germany, the circuit has been a regular feature on the DTM calendar since 2001 and is a firm favourite amongst drivers and fans thanks to its challenging nature as well as overtaking opportunities and ‘back to school’ atmosphere.

“Hockenheim is one of my favourite circuits on the DTM calendar,” said reigning champion, BMW’s Bruno Spengler. “It is always absolutely great fun to drive at the Hockenheimring.”

Jamie Green, Audi’s token new and resident Brit, echoed Spengler’s excitement by commenting “The race at Hockenheim is not only is a great challenge but the beginning of a new chapter in my life; a red-silver race suit, a car in Red Bull colors and plenty of rings – everything has been very exciting for me since I switched [to Audi].”

The challenges do not, however, finish on the track. The region’s weather is notoriously fickle and it’s not uncommon for it to quickly change from sunny to washout, which causes strategic headaches for teams and further narrows the driver’s margin for error. Addition difficulties are also on the agenda for Hockenheim 2013, thanks to the newly introduced DRS and option tyres, which despite being around 1 to 1.5 seconds a lap quicker, are expected to last just five to seven laps.

Green’s team-mate, Mattias Ekstrom, also believes that despite the changes being a step into the unknown for the teams and drivers, the track will not fail to deliver in terms of a good race on Sunday. “Hockenheim will be one of the most thrilling races in my DTM career,” said the 2004 and 2007 DTM champion. “I can’t remember ever having been so excited; the further development of the cars, DRS, option tyres, there are many unknown factors.”

For another man, 18 year-old Pascal Werhlein, the Hockenheim race will not just be a step into the unknown in terms of new technical innovations, but a step into a whole new series for the young German, after having replaced Ralf Schumacher at Mercedes following his short-notice retirement from racing.

“One moment I was having my first tests in the car and now I’m preparing for my DTM debut,” said an excited Wehrlein ahead of the race. “I can hardly believe it myself sometimes, but I’m ready for this challenge. I will treat the season-opener just like any other race and try to do my best, learn as much as possible and have a good race – maybe I might even finish in the points.”

Wehrlein also has good reason for targeting points on his debut. Since 2001, Mercedes has taken eight wins around the track, with Gary Paffett being the most successful driver of the current DTM crop with three wins from 2004, 2010 and once again, last season after leading home then teammate Jamie Green in a 1-2 for the Stuttgart marque.

“Hockenheim simply suits Mercedes-Benz and me,” said the 2012 championship runner up. “Our brand has been victorious 32 times here and I myself have won four races. Last year, we achieved a one-two victory in the season-opener – a perfect start. I hope we can do it again this year.”

So, excitable drivers, variable weather, Mercedes aiming to continue its run of success, BMW seeking to pick up where it finished 2012 and Audi out to correct its shaky last season … Hockenheim is going to be good. Very good.

Hockenheim facts:

Track length: 4,574 kilometers

Laps: 42

Lap Record: Paul di Resta (Mercedes-Benz), 1m33.576s (October 2008)
Weather: Unpredictable
Previous winners:

2001: Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2002: Laurent Aiello (Abt Audi)
2003: Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2004: Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2005: Jean Alesi (Mercedes-Benz)
2006: Bernd Schneider (Mercedes-Benz)
2007: Mattias Ekstrom (Audi)
2008: Mattias Ekstrom (Audi)
2009: Tom Kristensen (Audi)
2010: Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)
2011: Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)
2012: Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)

Schedule:

Saturday: 04/05/2013

09:05 – 10:35: Free practice
10:35 – 10:40: Practice starts
14:40 – 15:50: Qualifying
16:00 – 16:25: Post-qualifying press conference

Sunday: 05/05/2013

13:33 – 14:43: Race
15:55: Podium celebrations
15:15 – 15:40: Post-race press conference