We’re in for a real spectacular this coming weekend when the Red Bull Ring hosts the penultimate DTM fixture of the 2024 season. Who will hold their nerve on the fastest track on the DTM calendar?
On the long straights, Thomas Preining and the other contestants will be going full throttle in the hope and expectation of leaving the competition behind. But there is no time to take a deep breath – a series of high-speed downhill bends makes sure of that
In order to be perfectly prepared, some DTM teams warmed up last week. During a private test at the Red Bull Ring, they attempted to tease an extra tenth or two out of their cars. The teams performed race simulations, tried out different tyre compounds and experimented with the setup.
During the 2024 season, the teams have five test days at their disposal. On the test day itself, the drivers can do as many laps of the circuit as they wish. After completing 141 laps, reigning champion Thomas Preining gave his verdict: “We’re well prepared for wet conditions at the Red Bull Ring. In the dry, we never really know what to expect. But I’m looking forward to plenty of excitement and some great racing.”
Lucas Auer and Maro Engel also put in a fair amount of distance. “The Red Bull Ring has not been so easy for us in the past,” says Mercedes-AMG man Engel, who is running third in the championship and therefore still in with a chance of winning the title. Going into the DTM weekend at the Red Bull Ring, however, the odds are on front-runner Kelvin van der Linde and Mirko Bortolotti who currently trails him by a seven-point margin.
Interesting fact:
Heating blankets for the tyres are not permitted in the DTM, but the teams have their own special trick. The drivers go out onto the track and complete a qualifying lap with the brake pedal depressed. Then it’s off to the pits for three minutes of sitting-out time while the pit crew positions themselves in front of each of the four wheel arches. This allows the heat from the rims and brakes to radiate directly onto the tyres. Ingenious!
We couldn’t fit more action into the schedule if we tried…
Fans can look forward to eight thrilling races over the two days. In addition to the DTM, the partner series ADAC GT Masters, ADAC GT4 Germany and Porsche Carrera Cup Germany will also be strongly contested. And there’s plenty of fun off the track too. Check the programme and be there. It’s going to be a weekend you won’t want to miss!
