Audi driver Martin Tomczyk about Barcelona
- Exciting overtaking manoeuvres possible at several points
- Positive memories on two important career victories
- Penultimate corner has been redesigned
The 2007 DTM title race can be decided in favour of an Audi driver at Barcelona (Sunday from 1:45 p.m. live on German TV “Das Erste”). The DTM uses the 2.977 kilometre national version of the Catalan Grand Prix circuit. Martin Tomczyk, second in the standings, talks about the track on which he recorded his first victory in the DTM.
With what feelings do you travel to the penultimate round of the 2007 DTM season?
“I only have good memories of Barcelona and can look back on several career highlights. I took my first single seater victory there and won my first DTM race there in 2006. These wins obviously strengthen the positive feelings for a particular circuit, which I like anyway.”
Where can the spectators expect to see the most exciting overtaking manoeuvres?
“The best overtaking place is after the start and finish line and under braking for the hairpin on the back straight. You can close right up on the car in front in the slipstream in these sections before making your move into the slow corners.”
The circuit has several very tight corners but also some quick ones. What does this mean for the set-up work?
“Obviously the car set-up is a compromise, but we trim the car for the fast corners. It’s very easy to feel the effect of the aerodynamics at several points at Barcelona.”
A different version of the track is used this year to the one used last year. What’s your opinion of the modification?
“Before, the penultimate bend was a fast right-hand corner, which I really liked. The modification has seen three corners being added. Bernd Schneider who was following me last year made a mistake in the old section, which made my victory a little easier. In theory, a great deal more could happen in the new version with its three corners. We’ll see what occurs.”