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DTM : Rain ruins first day of practice

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Khatir Soltani
Hockenheim, Germany - If Canadian driver Bruno Spengler was all pumped up and ready for action yesterday, he was disillusioned today. Not only by the wet weather but also by the poor performances of his car.

This morning's fog forced the schedule to be reorganized. Both DTM practice sessions were held in the afternoon, with only 30 minutes between them.


In the first session, Spengler set the 13th fastest time on a dry but cold track. "The car runs fine. It is well balanced. It is just too slow! By the way, we put new tires only for the beginning of the session. Like many others, we did not mount new tires near the end to set a quick time," the Quebec driver told us.

Rain started to fall before the cars went out for practice No. 2. Spengler only drove during the first half of the session, setting the 9th fastest time.

What we saw during the pre-season testing was accurate: the Audis are really quick. This morning, seven A4s captured the seven fastest times. Spengler's AMG Mercedes-Benz is slow on the straightaways. This morning, his car was 2 kph slower then the top car, and in the afternoon, he was down 3 kph.

Team HWA will work hard tonight in order to find what could be possibly wrong with the new 2008 C-Class. But you know what? Spengler is not even disappointed with his performance. The weather should be much nicer tomorrow, and that could make a difference.
photo:René Fagnan - Auto123.com
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada