For 2017, the actors in the DTM promise the fans even more fascination, thrilling racing and tough on-track action. Loud, fast and close, that is what the race series is about.
One day before the first race of the season at the Hockenheimring, the drivers of the three manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-AMG are unanimous: “We will be providing an even better show for the spectators,” Mercedes-AMG driver Edoardo Mortara says, also on behalf of his colleagues. Last year’s runner-up is full of ambition and reckons that, for him, “the time has come to win the title.”
One who, according to numerous experts, could particularly benefit from the new tyres with increased grip levels, but also with faster degradation, is Mike Rockenfeller. “Many people are saying so and I hope that they are right,” the Audi driver says. He almost gets carried away when talking about the ‘new’ DTM: “This is where the best drivers are, all the cars are really closely together. The race results are unpredictable, that is making it so exciting.”
From zero to 100 in the DTM is almost impossible, as the past has shown. “The combination of team, driver and car is the basis to be successful,” Rockenfeller says. Also the uncertainties concerning the pit stop strategies that come with the new tyres prove variety and unpredictable results. Timo Glock, too, is convinced that experience is a valuable asset in the DTM. The BMW driver reckons that in 2017, the time has come for him to aim at top positions. “So far, I have scored three wins in five years. Now, I want to win three races in one year.”
The final word prior to the race weekend at Hockenheim with many uncertainties goes to ‘Rocky’: “There has been enough talking. Now, it is time to go racing!”