Auto123.com is again proud to present you with the exclusive Bruno Spengler’s column. The Canadian has extended his contract with Mercedes-Benz and is ready to tackle the 2011 season of the DTM.
Hello to all Auto123.com readers!
I'm happy to talk to you less than a month before the start of the 2011 DTM championship, set for May 1 at Hockenheim, Germany. First of all, let me tell you how thrilled and proud I am to once again be driving for Mercedes-Benz. I hope the upcoming season will prove highly satisfying.
We recently did some tests in Estoril and Monteblanco, Spain. The C-Class DTM is exactly how I remembered it, but that will soon change as we're facing a whole new set of rules for 2012. Oh yeah, there is one new element this year – the tires. Hankook has replaced Dunlop as the official tire supplier of the DTM series.
It's tough for me to compare the new tires with the old ones since I did not personally run back-to-back tests. However, I can tell you that Hankook tires are very dependable and actually quite close to the Dunlops.
How will the change affect each team's performance? That is anyone's guess right now, especially since there won't be any group tests this season. We will have to wait until the first event, including the qualifying sessions and the race itself, to find out where everybody stands. Making the transition after so many years with Dunlop will be challenging. We are currently gathering data and adapting to the new rubber.
The off-season felt like an eternity so I'm anxious to resume competition – and quench my need for speed and adrenaline. As usual, I spent the winter training and improving my physical condition. I went cross-country skiing during my time in Canada and I also did some skating. It was great to see my old friends again!
Back in Europe in late January, I continued my preparation with endurance and bodybuilding workouts, not to mention various sports such as tennis, golf and jogging.
Hello to all Auto123.com readers!
I'm happy to talk to you less than a month before the start of the 2011 DTM championship, set for May 1 at Hockenheim, Germany. First of all, let me tell you how thrilled and proud I am to once again be driving for Mercedes-Benz. I hope the upcoming season will prove highly satisfying.
We recently did some tests in Estoril and Monteblanco, Spain. The C-Class DTM is exactly how I remembered it, but that will soon change as we're facing a whole new set of rules for 2012. Oh yeah, there is one new element this year – the tires. Hankook has replaced Dunlop as the official tire supplier of the DTM series.
 |
| (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
It's tough for me to compare the new tires with the old ones since I did not personally run back-to-back tests. However, I can tell you that Hankook tires are very dependable and actually quite close to the Dunlops.
How will the change affect each team's performance? That is anyone's guess right now, especially since there won't be any group tests this season. We will have to wait until the first event, including the qualifying sessions and the race itself, to find out where everybody stands. Making the transition after so many years with Dunlop will be challenging. We are currently gathering data and adapting to the new rubber.
The off-season felt like an eternity so I'm anxious to resume competition – and quench my need for speed and adrenaline. As usual, I spent the winter training and improving my physical condition. I went cross-country skiing during my time in Canada and I also did some skating. It was great to see my old friends again!
 |
| At the launch of the new Mercedes CLS. (Photo: Archives Bruno Spengler) |
Back in Europe in late January, I continued my preparation with endurance and bodybuilding workouts, not to mention various sports such as tennis, golf and jogging.