Canadian
Bruno Spengler will compete this weekend in Round 9 of the DTM series at the Hockenheimring in Germany. The works Mercedes-Benz driver is still on top of the provisional standings with just three races to go.
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
Spengler has been leading the points’ table since the second race of the season. However, his HWA teammate, Paul Di Resta has captured two consecutive victories and lies now in second place in the standings, just 7 points away from the Canadian, also the winner of two races.
But both drivers will need to keep their eyes on two of their rivals, Gary Paffett (Mercedes) and Mattias Ekstrom (Audi) who could change everything with a solid run this weekend on the German circuit.
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
“I look forward to the race at Hockenheim, because it is one of the favourite tracks, said Spengler at Auto123.com.
“It’s always a great fun over there with the enthusiastic fans. Especially since it will be our last race of the season in Germany. Hockenheim is a short circuit, so the lap times will be very close, and a good qualifying spot will be crucial for the race. My objective is to give my very best and not be distracted by the title chase,” Spengler said.
The previous race was held in Oschersleben, Germany about a month ago. Spengler spent most of the month doing public appearances and performing public relations for Mercedes. He also trained hard for the final three races of the season.
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
Auto123.com recently had the unique chance to spend an entire day with Spengler in Strasbourg, France where he trains with his physiotherapist Stephane.
“I’m no potato couch!” said Spengler. “I’ve got to be active. I’ve got to do something. It’s very important to be in excellent physical condition to race in the DTM series. These are tin tops race cars, and the temperature inside the cockpit ranges between 40 and 60 degrees C during the one hour of the race. We also must endure lateral forces of up to 3 Gs, and our heart rate ranges between 150 and 170 beats per minute during the entire race. It’s tough out there,” Spengler explained.
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
“I train to increase my muscular endurance. I also do a lot of cycling and jogging. During the wintertime, when I am home in Canada, I love to do cross country skiing. To keep my reflexes sharp, I play tennis. And I also enjoy playing golf to increase my concentration. I’ve been playing for a few years now, and it has turned into a passion. Sometimes, I play competitively. I have progressed quite a bit and my handicap is now of 8,” Spengler added.
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
The free practice sessions will be held Friday at Hockenheim. Qualifying will be staged on Saturday and the race will go green on Sunday afternoon.
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |
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Photo: René Fagnan/Auto123.com |