Turbo era of the DTM kicks off at the Hockenheimring

The new turbo era of the DTM begins at the Hockenheimring this weekend, with the two-liter four-cylinder turbo engine to make its racing debut at 1.30pm.

Amongst the eight cars during the final pre-season tests at the Lausitzring, the new Audi RS 5 DTM was the fastest car with its more than 610-hp two-liter four-cylinder turbo engine.

Audi revealed the details of its 2.0 litre t/c DTM engine last month.

“No-one knows where they stand,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass. “Qualifying on Saturday will provide an initial indication. But even then we won’t know who will be the best over the racing distance. More than ever before in the DTM, tire management and the driver will be crucial in the race.”

The new turbo engines deliver some 100 horsepower more than the previous naturally aspirated V8 engines – resulting in clearly higher loads acting on the tires that have remained unchanged compared to last year. At the same time, the number of tire sets per car and race weekend has been reduced from eight to seven. For the two qualifying sessions and the two races, only five tire sets are now available.

These are not the only changes in the 2019 DTM. By means of the “Push-to-Pass” system a short-term 30-hp boost can be accessed for overtaking manoeuvres in the race. In addition, the drivers have to get used to the modified aerodynamics of the Class 1 race cars whose most conspicuous characteristic is a much wider rear wing. With the new turbo engines, the standing start will be significantly more difficult, especially since the parking brake has been banned and it is not so easy anymore finding the ideal point for preloading the clutch.

“The first race of the season is always special,” said Mike Rockenfeller, Audi driver in the DTM. “With the turbo engines and the many other new things we have in the car, the racing will be even more exciting this year.”

For the seasoned race driver, the 4.574-kilometer circuit is the best DTM track on the calendar. With the long Parabolika and the subsequent hairpin turn, the Hockenheimring features one of the most spectacular sections of the entire DTM season. With DRS, a top speed of some 280 km/h is expected there. Speed in the following right-hand turn is less than 60 km/h.

The greatest challenge is the first turn after the start and finish, which is driven at a speed of about 190 km/h. “Especially in qualifying, you’ve got to get everything right there or else you’ll easily lose two or three tenths of a second,” commented Rockenfeller.

On Friday (May 3), the new DTM Class 1 race cars will hit the track for free practice from 1.10 to 1.55 PM and from 4.30 to 5 PM. Qualifying on Saturday (May 4) will start at 10.30 AM and on Sunday (May 5) at 10.45 AM. Both races on Saturday and Sunday will start at 1.30 PM. SAT.