Two weeks later, we were in Munich for an event totally different from what I’d experienced up until then in DTM.
Munich’s Olympic Stadium was the scene for an exhibition race, in which the drivers involved in the Championship faced each other in direct-elimination duels.
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| Photo: Rene Fagnan/Auto123.com |
It proved to be a very interesting experience, and I loved racing in the middle of the stadium in front of all the spectators come to cheer us on. The adrenaline flowed even more freely than during “regular” race weekends, during which the two intense periods are Saturday qualifications and the actual race on Sunday afternoon.
This event called for sustained concentration during the whole day, because the confrontations came fast and furious. The least error meant you and your car rammed the wall; in fact at least a dozen cars ended up leaving the track.
Once again, the mechanics’ efforts paid off, as every duel consisted of four laps, punctuated by a tire change half-way. The Mercedes mechanics once more showed their precision and speed with wonderful regularity. It was key to my success on the Sunday...
Winning the second day’s final, after having been a finalist the day before against Edoardo Mortara, was an incredible feeling, and in a memorable moment I was warmly cheered as I got out of the car. If the DTM repeats the event next year, I for one will be very happy.
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| Public appearances and promotional activities are part of my daily work. (photo: dtm.com) |
Also during this weekend in Munich, the BMW M3 that will make its entry into DTM next year was unveiled. As I’ve said before, the arrival of BMW in the series alongside Mercedes and Audi is an excellent development, and is sure to make for intense battles on the track. It is in any case cause for great enthusiasm to have the top three German car manufacturers lined up for the 2012 season.
A week and a half ago, I headed for the Nürburgring region. On the Saturday I attended a promotional event at Hugo Boss in the city of Metzingen, in front of 12,000 people. On the schedule: donuts and go-arounds on the track aboard a DTM car - a pleasant day.
Then, off to the Nürburgring track on Saturday evening, to experience the Formula 1 Grand Prix with the Mercedes team as well as carry out a good number of interviews....
This weekend I’m back at Nürburgring, this time as part of the DTM Championship which resumes after a one-month break, excepting of course for the Munich event.
This too represents one of my favourite race circuits: I’ve won here twice, in the rain in 2006 and on a dry track last year. I’m excited to return, and hope to gain here a maximum number of points.
This won’t be easy, since Audi traditionally does well on this course, and Tomczyk is often very effective on it. I expect an epic fight, but also fluctuating weather conditions once again. Anything could happen...I’ll get back to you after the race!
Until the next time,
Bruno Spengler