DTM Zandvoort preview: No rest yet for BMW

The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters heads to Zandvoort this weekend for the penultimate appointment of the 2014 season. As Marco Wittmann already is the 2014 champion, accumulating a 69-point lead over Christian Vietoris, the focus now shifts to the manufacturers’ and teams’ battles, with BMW and Audi as the main contenders.

Nearly a year ago, Zandvoort saw Wittmann’s maiden DTM pole position, with fellow BMW driver Augusto Farfus taking the win, ahead of Mike Rockenfeller, who would seal his first crown. Timo Scheider took third place, with Gary Paffett being the best Mercedes in ninth.

Wittmann and BMW have had a dominant season, with five wins for the Bavarian manufacturer. Mercedes has gained ground throughout the season and has managed to maximise difficult situations, achieving three wins with Christian Vietoris, Robert Wickens and Pascal Wehrlein. The 19-year-old became the youngest ever polesitter and race winner two weeks ago in Lausitzring, and has since landed a deal as reserve driver for the Mercedes F1 Team.

Whilst the drivers’ battle might be over, the manufacturers’ front remains wide open, with Audi trailing BMW by just 18 points. The Ingolstadt formation has had a more difficult than expected season, being a regular visitor to the podium, but not managing to climb on the top step. Harsh words from Dr Wolfgang Ullrich after Lausitzring spoke of disappointment, but Audi arrives to Zandvoort hoping that the special relationship of its drivers with the Dutch track will translate into dominant results. Dieter Gass, Head of DTM in Audi Sport, has a clear strategy: “The title in the manufacturers’ classification remains our aim, that’s why bringing as many of our cars as possible into the points will be crucial.”

BMW Team RMG has dominated the season so far, as Marco Wittmann and Maxime Martin have achieved all five victories for the Bavarian manufacturer this season. The 75 point lead is not enough to become teams’ champions, but the second spot of the table is wide open for Audi Team Abt, Phoenix, Abt Sportsline and Mercedes AMG. Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW Team RMG), wants to continue the successful streak to ensure BMW takes the manufacturers’ crown at the end of the season: “Our goal for the remaining two races of the season is clear: we want to win the Team competition with BMW Team RMG and to help ensure that BMW stays on top of the Manufacturers’ Championship.”

Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director, remains optimistic but cautious: “The season is not over yet. There are still two titles up for grabs. At the moment we are leading both the Team competition with BMW Team RMG and the Manufacturers’ Championship. We want to take full advantage of this position and end the season still on top. That will be far from easy.”

Circuit Park Zandvoort is located just off the North coast of The Netherlands, right next to the beach, looking on the North Sea. Thus, the wind, sand and a dirty track are important features in this race, as they have an effect on the grip and the general setup.

Timetable

Saturday, 27th September

8:45 – Free Practice 1
11:05 – Free Practice 2
14:45 – Qualifying Session

Sunday, 28th September

13:33 – Race