ZANDVOORT, The Netherlands — The DTM will be providing a beach spectacle on the Dutch North Sea coast as the series makes its first rip outside of Germany this season with the June 7-9 event at Circuit Zandvoort.
As the frontrunner, South African Kelvin van der Linde (Abt Sportsline) is heading to the third tour stop at the Circuit Zandvoort. However, the Audi driver cannot afford any slip-ups on the Formula 1 circuit in the middle of the sand dunes.
Defending champion Thomas Preining is in form just in time for the guest appearance west of Amsterdam and is only eight points behind in second place in the Porsche 911 GT3 R.
One of Kelvin van der Linde’s closest rivals is his own teammate Ricardo Feller, who is also within striking distance in third place and won the ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring last weekend.
Alongside the DTM stars, also competing in the DTM for the first time in Zandvoort: two-time rally world champion Kalle Rovanperä, who is making his racing debut on the circuit in a Porsche.
Both Saturday’s and Sunday’s races can be seen live on SPEED SPORT 1.
Preining Against The Audis
After winning and leading the table at the Dekra Lausitzring, Kelvin van der Linde is motivated for the guest appearance in Holland.
“The victory at the Lausitzring has given us as a team additional energy. We are traveling to Zandvoort with great motivation. It’s a track like in the old days, where every mistake is punished. I like the second sector best, when it goes up the hill and then the fast right-hand bend follows. It’s usually really at the limit and the driver can make a big difference,” says Kelvin van der Linde.
Preining from the Manthey EMA team is also in form after the weak start in Oschersleben. Feller, third in the table, was at the top of the podium in Zandvoort in 2023 and wants to be there again this year. His tough maneuver against Kelvin van der Linde in the Lausitz made it clear that his teammate will not be spared in the fight for positions and points.
Despite his aggressive driving style, Feller, along with Preining, is the only DTM driver to have scored points in the last 20 races.
Engel Shines
Last year’s winner Maro Engel (Monaco/Mercedes-AMG Team Winward) wants to make it to the top of the podium in Zandvoort. Engel has already made it to the podium twice this season, each time after mediocre positions in qualifying with a strong comeback.
In total, he has gained 35 positions compared to qualifying in the four races so far. Last season, the veteran celebrated his second DTM victory in Zandvoort — the experienced tactician can be reckoned with again this year. His opponents include Mirko Bortolotti.
The Lamborghini factory driver from SSR Performance needs more consistent performances if he wants to work his way up from fifth place to the top. Sheldon van der Linde also has his sights set on the top places. The South African is in seventh position as the best BMW driver from Schubert Motorsport. A second place like last year in Zandvoort would be a liberating blow for the 2022 DTM champion.
The Local Hero
Local hero Thierry Vermeulen is the only Dutchman in the DTM field and is looking forward to his home race.
“Driving in front of my family, friends and partner is always something special,” says the 21-year-old, who is competing in the Ferrari 296 GT3 from Emil Frey Racing. “Zandvoort is a real ‘old-school race track’ and I’m sure we’ll see a lot of overtaking maneuvers. I’m really looking forward to the weekend. I’ll give it my all and hope that we put on a great show for the many fans.”
Also On The Card
The Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux is making its season debut on the DTM platform with a prominent name.
Two-time rally world champion Kalle Rovanperä is competing on the circuit for the first time in his career and is driving a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup from the Red Ant Racing team. In the 2022 season, the now 23-year-old Finn was crowned the youngest overall winner of all time in the FIA World Rally Championship.
Last year, Rovanperä successfully defended his world championship title at the Central European Rally in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. In Zandvoort, the rally star wants to show his talent in circuit racing.
The Porsche Carrera Cup Germany is also part of the supporting program in the Netherlands. After a one-year break, the ADAC GT Masters is celebrating its Zandvoort comeback next weekend.
Events for both series can be seen live on SPEED SPORT 1.