Auto123.com brings you the exclusive comments of Quebec driver Bruno Spengler, who races for Mercedes-Benz in the DTM Championship. This week, he shares his adventures and misfortunes at Zandvoort, in the Netherlands.
"Hello everyone!
Boy, I went through a wide range of emotions on and off the Zandvoort track this past weekend! While I crossed the finish line in 7th place, I ultimately earned the 5th place following the technical inspections.
After the Norisring race, I did a few tests with Team HWA Mercedes-Benz on the Lausitzring track in order to prepare for Zandvoort. We spent a couple of days evaluating components and set-up changes. On a negative note, the weather was awful, with plenty of showers, storms and strong winds (after all, we were on the bank of the North Sea).
The following weekend, I represented Mercedes-Benz as part of the Formula One Grand Prix at Nürburging. I signed autographs, participated in photo shoots and met with the media. I felt like I could not catch my breath all weekend! Still, I was able to chat with my longtime buddy Lewis Hamilton, another member of the Mercedes family.
On Thursday before the race, I went to Zandvoort’s seaside resort with my car. I was anxious to see if the modifications made by the crew would produce good results because the Audis traditionally shine on this track.
Early Saturday, during the free practice session, I realized that the engineers had done excellent work. Overall, the car has made huge progress in just one year. Now, it’s much more competitive.
During the qualifying runs, I was fast enough to get to Q4 where only four drivers are given the chance to clinch the "Super Pole''. There was a bit of sand in the next-to-last corner and I slid a little, which cost me a few tenths of a second and relegated me to the third spot on the starting grid.
I enjoyed a decent start but I immediately began to experience grip problems with my rear tires. The car was over steering big time! It’s pretty hard to shift into attack mode and avoid mistakes in such tricky conditions. Then, Alexandre Prémat pushed me in Corner 3 and broke my diffuser. I fell all the way to 7th place.
During the race, the Audi drivers deliberately slowed down to help Mattias Ekström climb back among the leaders. Their team’s strategy then was to put as many cars as possible between his and mine. Finally, Marcus Winkelhock, who stood in front of me, dramatically slowed down (he lost 3 seconds in the first sector) to help my pursuer Timo Scheider overtake me.
After the race was over, though, four Audi cars were disqualified. The cases of Ekström and Oliver Jarvis are still being investigated by the race stewards under the claim that they followed team orders, which is strictly forbidden.
Tomorrow (Tuesday), I will head to the Sachsenring track, located in the former East Germany. I will take part in a video promo of the new SLR Stirling Moss for Mercedes-Benz TV. I really look forward to trying it out!
On Friday, I’ll return home and get ready for my old teammate Bernd Schneider’s anniversary party. That guy is quite a character and the evening promises to be very entertaining!
Afterwards, I’ll resume my physical training in preparation of the fast-approaching Oschersleben race.
Thank you all and see you next time!"
Bruno Spengler
www.brunospengler.com
www.hugoboss.com
photo:René Fagnan - Auto123.com & DTM
"Hello everyone!
Boy, I went through a wide range of emotions on and off the Zandvoort track this past weekend! While I crossed the finish line in 7th place, I ultimately earned the 5th place following the technical inspections.
After the Norisring race, I did a few tests with Team HWA Mercedes-Benz on the Lausitzring track in order to prepare for Zandvoort. We spent a couple of days evaluating components and set-up changes. On a negative note, the weather was awful, with plenty of showers, storms and strong winds (after all, we were on the bank of the North Sea).
 |
The following weekend, I represented Mercedes-Benz as part of the Formula One Grand Prix at Nürburging. I signed autographs, participated in photo shoots and met with the media. I felt like I could not catch my breath all weekend! Still, I was able to chat with my longtime buddy Lewis Hamilton, another member of the Mercedes family.
On Thursday before the race, I went to Zandvoort’s seaside resort with my car. I was anxious to see if the modifications made by the crew would produce good results because the Audis traditionally shine on this track.
Early Saturday, during the free practice session, I realized that the engineers had done excellent work. Overall, the car has made huge progress in just one year. Now, it’s much more competitive.
During the qualifying runs, I was fast enough to get to Q4 where only four drivers are given the chance to clinch the "Super Pole''. There was a bit of sand in the next-to-last corner and I slid a little, which cost me a few tenths of a second and relegated me to the third spot on the starting grid.
 |
I enjoyed a decent start but I immediately began to experience grip problems with my rear tires. The car was over steering big time! It’s pretty hard to shift into attack mode and avoid mistakes in such tricky conditions. Then, Alexandre Prémat pushed me in Corner 3 and broke my diffuser. I fell all the way to 7th place.
During the race, the Audi drivers deliberately slowed down to help Mattias Ekström climb back among the leaders. Their team’s strategy then was to put as many cars as possible between his and mine. Finally, Marcus Winkelhock, who stood in front of me, dramatically slowed down (he lost 3 seconds in the first sector) to help my pursuer Timo Scheider overtake me.
After the race was over, though, four Audi cars were disqualified. The cases of Ekström and Oliver Jarvis are still being investigated by the race stewards under the claim that they followed team orders, which is strictly forbidden.
Tomorrow (Tuesday), I will head to the Sachsenring track, located in the former East Germany. I will take part in a video promo of the new SLR Stirling Moss for Mercedes-Benz TV. I really look forward to trying it out!
On Friday, I’ll return home and get ready for my old teammate Bernd Schneider’s anniversary party. That guy is quite a character and the evening promises to be very entertaining!
Afterwards, I’ll resume my physical training in preparation of the fast-approaching Oschersleben race.
Thank you all and see you next time!"
Bruno Spengler
www.brunospengler.com
www.hugoboss.com
photo:René Fagnan - Auto123.com & DTM