The first four races of the new season saw four different winners. Drivers from all three brands – Paul Di Resta, Edoardo Mortara and Timo Glock – are heading the standings, separated by only small gaps. And the field as a whole has moved closer together as well: at Spielberg, all 24 cars were ultimately within just 0.640 seconds of each other in qualifying.
Mattias Ekström will be in the spotlight at the Lausitzring: In 17 events on the East German race track to date, the Swede has managed to score two victories and nine podium finishes – including his first ever DTM podium 16 years ago.
Unforgotten have been Ekström’s duels with Mercedes driver Gary Paffett in the 2005 season and BMW driver Bruno Spengler three years ago. “Maybe videos of them should be shown at the drivers’ briefing,” says Ekström. “From champions and old hands like Gary, Bruno and Paul (Di Resta) some of our young drivers can learn a lot. Rubbing is racing, but crashing isn’t.”
Fans can look forward to the event with bated breath: at the Lausitzring, they have a unique view of the racing action from the large main grandstand. Plus, the DTM races at Lausitz have a history of being fiercely fought and turbulent.
ARD will be airing live coverage of both DTM races – race one on Saturday starting 14:30 (CEST) and race two on Sunday starting at 15:00. The two ADAC GT Masters rounds will be broadcast live on SPORT1 (Saturday and Sunday, each starting at 13:00).
