No favourites as the DTM heads to the Norisring
The DTM visits the Norisring for the fourth round of the season with another weekend of close racing expected and no clear faviourite ahead of the only street circuit of the calendar.
The 2.3-kilometre urban track is laid in the grounds of the Nüremberg Zepellinfeld by the Dutzendteich lake and the Congress Hall, near to historic town centre, and features a dirty, low-grip tarmac known for its many bumps which change from one year to another.
The track is also characterised by long, high-speed straights followed by hard braking areas, with cars going from 250 to 60 km/h. This poses another challenge for the 2018-spec DTM cars that have 30% less downforce than in previous years and with longer braking distances expected.
Close racing is a feature of the Nüremberg circuit, keeping in mind last year’s spectacular photo finish when Audi’s Mattias Ekström, Marco Wittmann (BMW) and Mercedes-AMG’s Edoardo Mortara crossed the line side-by-side, separated by just 0.027 seconds. The 2017 event was also marked by Mercedes’ Gary Paffett and Audi’s Mike Rockenfeller high-speed crash at Turn 1, with the 2013 champion sustaining a broken foot.
Glock (BMW) leads the standings on 90 points and gives the advantage to his rivals from Stuttgart: “We have struggled at the Norisring in the past, but we took a great leap forward last year. I hope that we can be fast again this year. Of course, we also know that Mercedes is very strong in terms of the top speed. Audi has put on strong performances at the Norisring too but Mercedes is the clear favourite for me.”
Paffett is still second in the standings, despite having a difficult time at the Hungaroring three weeks ago. The Briton is upbeat about Mercedes’ good track record at the Norisring and the pace shown this season so far.
“I feel we have every reason to be positive about the weekend. I think the teams will be more of a match for each other at the Norisring, as it’s a track that doesn’t suit anyone in particular. That’s why it’s all about getting the most out of the car and the setup,” said Paffett.
Rockenfeller is in a different position as the best-placed Audi driver in the standings, only in ninth position, 56 points adrift.
Mercedes AMG leads the manufacturers’ standings with 294 points, 58 ahead of BMW Motorsport. Audi Sport has had a poor season so far and trails the leaders by 172 points.
Timetable
Friday 22nd of June
16:30: Free Practice 1
Saturday 23rd of June
8:30 – Free Practice 2
10:20 – Qualifying for Race 1
13:30 – Race 1 (55 minutes plus one lap)
Sunday 24th of June
8:30 – Free Practice 3
11:10 – Qualifying for Race 2
13:30 – Race 2 (55 minutes plus one lap)
All times in CEST
