MUNICH — The fourth stop on the DTM calendar will be at the Norisring in Germany on July 5-7.
The event, which will be broadcast live on SPEED SPORT 1, is Germany’s only street circuit.
One driver in particular is in the spotlight — Marco Wittmann. The man from Fürth has the shortest journey of all DTM drivers and is already looking forward to competing on home turf.Â
“I’m really looking forward to the Norisring,” Wittmann said. “The many fans, family, friends and the local fan club make the weekend an absolute highlight for me. There have also been many spectacular races there in recent years.”
The two-time DTM champion heads to the Norisring with a good dose of self-confidence. On the last race weekend in Zandvoort in the Netherlands, the BMW works driver scored his first win of the season.
Hardly anyone knows the Norisring as well as Wittmann, who has already experienced 10 DTM race weekends there as a driver. But he still has respect for the track’s special characteristics.
“The challenge is special because you drive extremely close to the guard rails, there are no run-off areas and you can’t really afford to make a single mistake,” said Wittmann.
“You have to be extremely focused and concentrated. The Norisring only has four corners, but that’s exactly what makes the track so difficult. Because the lap times are very close together. That’s what makes the Norisring special, as well as the unique flair and atmosphere.”
Wittmann was in for a change before his 12th DTM season. After a lackluster season last year, the 34-year-old went to Schubert Motorsport, which brought change with an impact.
At the season opener in Oschersleben, a lack of fuel pressure prevented a dream start shortly before the checkered flag, after which Wittmann placed his “Green Machine” in the colors of his partner Schaeffler in the points in all five races.
His first DTM victory since the 2022 season finale followed in Zandvoort.
“After changing teams, you first have to get to know your engineers and mechanics and also see which direction you are going in terms of setup,” Wittmann explained. “We were able to improve more and more, and in Zandvoort it really bore fruit for the first time.”
The victory in Zandvoort, Wittmann’s 19th DTM victory ever, marks the highlight of the season so far.
“The mood in the team is really good,” Wittmann said. “Of course I hope that the upswing continues and that I can confirm my form.”
The constellation at Schubert Motorsport certainly has the potential for friction. In addition to Wittmann, two other champions, René Rast and Sheldon van der Linde, make up the lineup. Together, the trio have won a total of six DTM titles. There is strong competition within a racing team, but Wittmann still sees the situation as positive.
“It is a healthy but also respectful battle between us,” Wittmann said. “I think all three of us know what is at stake. Ultimately, the team can only benefit from it.”
The goal for his home race at the Norisring is clear — to show the upward trend in his BMW M4 GT3 and attack at the front. Wittmann knows exactly what a victory in his DTM living room feels like, as he won at the track six years ago.
“My success at the Norisring in 2018 was by far the most emotional victory I have ever experienced in my career,” Wittman said. “Celebrating with all the fans in the stands and with the family was something very special. It would of course be a dream if that, or at least the jump onto the podium, worked out this year.”