Audi driver Martin Tomczyk about Barcelona
- Personal success series in Spain
- Modern facility with excellent viewing areas for spectators
- Circuit character changed after track modifications
The Barcelona circuit is used for the third time by the DTM. Last year, the Audi drivers experienced the circuit for the first time following the extensive modifications to the section before the start-finish. Martin Tomczyk connects several record performances with the track in Catalonia. “Das Erste” broadcasts the ninth round of the DTM live on 21 September from 1.45 p.m.
Is Barcelona one of your favourite tracks?
“Actually you would have thought that Barcelona should be one of my favourite circuits particularly as I set pole position there in 2006 and 2007, as well as it being the scene of my first DTM race win in 2006. I do like it, but nevertheless don’t count it as one of my absolute favourites.”
What characterises the Catalonian facility?
“It is a very modern circuit in a very pleasant environment. The circuit is very spacious. It always fun to drive there. However, the modifications made between 2006 and 2007 have also changed the character a little.”
What to the changes mean to someone sitting in the cockpit?
“In place of the fast, penultimate right-hand corner before the start and finish there is now a very long chicane. The lap times are obviously significantly slower. Some sections have disappeared where the aerodynamic effect was very noticeable. If I’m honest, I preferred the previous layout more.”
How do the elevation changes at the individual sections affect you?
“The effect of elevation changes is not the same on every track. At Barcelona, for example, you gain a much better view from the higher parts, while on other circuits you sometimes lose this advantage because of the elevation changes. The spectators also have a great view of the circuit and should look forward to exciting overtaking manoeuvres, especially at the end of the start-finish straight.”