DTM heads to Assen as spectators are welcomed for the first time this year
The 2020 DTM season has its fourth appointment of the year this weekend at the Dutch track of Assen, with Audi driver Nico Müller comfortably leading the drivers’ championship. The Dutch event will also be the first of the season with on-site spectators.
Müller has claimed three wins and two further podiums from the the six races held so far this season, with 133 points in his account.
Team Rosberg driver René Rast has won two races, but encountered issues during the races at the Lausitzring and is second in the championship, lagging 36 points. Frijns is third, 41 points behind his team-mate.
“The DTM has been at Zandvoort for many years. With Assen, the DTM has found a great new home in the Netherlands,” explained the Swiss driver.
“The track is spectacular and has a very flowing layout. In 2019, I fought for victory in both of the races. I want to do the same this year.”
Rast returns to the country where he made his DTM debut, just four years ago. In the three-and-a-half seasons since, the reigning champion has claimed two titles and close runner-up in 2018.
“I hope things will go better this year,” said Rast who came close to winning last year. “I like fast tracks. Assen has one of the fastest corners on the calendar, which we drive at around 255 km/h.”
“The fact that things have been going so well at the Lausitzring lately gives me confidence,” added Frijns who, with four pole positions, is still chasing his elusive first ever DTM victory.
“The track is very fluid, comparable to Spa. It’s hard on the tires, but we have a lot of experience in this respect.”
BMW Motorsport heads to Assen with renewed hope after improved form and a first victory of the year at the Lausitzring.
“I am hugely looking forward to the triple-header, especially after the success at the Lausitzring,” said Team RMR’s Lucas Auer, winner two weeks ago. “Assen will be new territory for me in the DTM, but I think it will be a really cool show. Tyre management will be a challenge again.”
Audi Sport heads to the third round of the season in a strong position on 406 points, with BMW a distant second on 186 points.
“After the difficult start to the season, the one-two with Lucas Auer and Timo Glock on the second Sunday at the Lausitzring was very important to us all,” said BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt. “Despite this, we know that we must continue to work hard to close the gap to Audi, particularly when it comes to qualifying performance. The goal is to start the races from the front of the grid, then to convert that into victories and podiums.”
A total of 10,000 spectators will be allowed through the gates per day this weekend.
“We are massively looking forward to the return of our fans,” said DTM umbrella organisation ITR chairman Gerhard Berger. “The sight of spectators in the grandstands will be an additional motivation for the drivers. Every athlete needs the support from his fans. I really hope that Assen will not remain an exception in this extraordinary sports year and that we will be able to welcome spectators in upcoming races as well.”
Timetable
Friday 4th September
13:00 – Free Practice 1
15:40 – Free Practice 2
Saturday 5th September
10:40 – Qualifying for Race 1
13:30 – Race 1 (55 minutes plus one lap)
Sunday 6th September
10:15 – Qualifying for Race 2
13:30 – Race 2 (55 minutes plus one lap)
