It’s a family affair for Marco Wittmann at the Norisring

BMW Motorsport driver Marco Wittmann will enjoy his home race when the DTM competes at the Norisring this weekend, with the event set to be something of a family affair when his father and brother also hit the track to appear in the supporting Touring Car Classics races.

Wittmann enjoyed a strong start of the season, but two mishaps due to a penalty at Zolder and an incident at Misano have seen the Team RMG driver fall to fourth place in the championship, 25 points behind leader René Rast.

The 29-year-old scored his only victory at the Norisring last year, and would like to repeat the result.

“The Norisring is always special to me, particularly after the win last year,” he said. “Naturally I am hoping for a successful weekend.

“BMW has a good car, as we’ve shown in the opening rounds; and, if the weather is good, I hope that we can build upon our good results.”

This season the cars present an even more reduced aero package than last year and 100 BHP more from the engine.

“This year’s cars are significantly faster than last year’s thanks to the new turbo engines, so it will be new territory for everyone as we tune the cars to this particular course,” added Wittmann.

The Team RMG driver from Fürth will be competing at his home race, which means an added pressure for him.

“For me, this is the most stressful race of the year,” says BMW driver. “But that’s not really a problem. In fact, I like it: it’s nice to know I have the full support of the local fans, and my family and friends. It’s awesome and gives me a real boost.”

But Wittmann won’t be alone and not only because of all the fans for whom he’s the local hero. Both his father Herbert and younger brother Nico will also race at the Norisring with a BMW in the Touring Car Classics.

The DTM action at the Norisring kicks off with the first free practice session at 13:00 CEST on Friday.