A Stellar Start to the Season: Record Times and Team Dynamics at Hockenheimring
In a remarkable display of speed and skill, the preseason testing at the Hockenheimring DTM circuit saw some incredible performances, with Rast setting a blazing lap time of 1:37.077 to lead the pack. The conditions were near perfect for high-speed racing, with the temperature a warm 31 degrees Celsius, augmenting the day's competitive spirit.
Close behind Rast was Sheldon van der Linde, who trailed by a mere 0.137 seconds, underscoring the tight competition among the racers. This year also marked the introduction of new BBS-supplied wheel rims for the BMW M4 GT3s, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the vehicle setups and race day strategies.
The Morning Session: Overcoming Challenges and Spotlighting the Contenders
Marco Wittmann emerged as a strong contender, posting his best time during the second day's morning session. Unfortunately, Wittmann's start was hampered by mechanical issues, preventing him from participating in the entirety of the first morning session. Despite these challenges, he and other drivers like Ayhancan Guven and Thomas Preining showcased their potential, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively. Notably, Guven and Preining set their fastest laps in the Tuesday afternoon session, demonstrating their cars' optimal performance in varying conditions.
Interestingly, Rast's leading time was almost three seconds slower than Preining's pole lap from the previous year, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the cars and the track conditions year over year.
Display of Power: Mercedes and Audi
The prowess of Mercedes and Audi was unmistakable, with Luca Stolz securing sixth place in his Mercedes. Teammates Maro Engel and Lucas Auer were not far behind, claiming the seventh and eighth positions, respectively. The performance of two Abt-entered Audis finishing in the top 10 spoke volumes about the team's preparedness and the competitive edge of their vehicles. Moreover, the Abt team concluded their testing session earlier than anticipated, suggesting a confident stride into the season.
Emerging Talent on the Rise
The test sessions also spotlighted some rising stars, with Jack Aitken proving to be the fastest among the Emil Frey Ferrari drivers. Similarly, Luca Engstler emerged as the quickest Lamborghini driver, while Clemens Schmid put on an impressive showing in the McLaren 720S GT3. These performances hint at the depth of talent across the teams and the exciting prospects for the upcoming races.
Looking ahead, teams are gearing up for private running at Oschersleben next week, an opportunity for further fine-tuning and strategy development as the season progresses.
Rast's Comeback: A Seamless Transition
Reflecting on his return to racing after a six-month hiatus, Rast expressed a feeling of immediate belonging back in the driver's seat. "It's like if I never got out. I thought it would be difficult for me to get back on pace straight away because I haven't been in this car for six months," he shared. Rast's performance and adaptability underscore his profound connection with the sport and his vehicle, setting an exciting precedent for his competitors and fans alike.
As the DTM season edges closer, the preseason testing at Hockenheimring has laid the groundwork for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in motorsports history. The amalgamation of seasoned veterans making remarkable comebacks, emerging talents signaling their arrival, and the relentless pursuit of perfection by teams sets a captivating stage for the races ahead.