• DTM returns to Italy
  • Mugello is the longest track on the calendar
  • First experience gathered during pre-season tests
DTM 2007
Timo Scheider

Audi contests the sixth round of the 2007 DTM season in Italy (Sunday from 5:20 p.m. live on German TV “Das Erste”). Returning to the 5.245-kilometre long circuit, which was the scene of several DTM races during the 1990s, rekindles an old tradition. Timo Scheider talks about the circuit that meanders through Tuscany.

From a driver’s point of view, is a new circuit on the DTM calendar a benefit?
“I’m always in favour of an interesting calendar. Mugello has already received a great deal of praise. There are some fast and exhilarating combinations of corners around this very demanding circuit. In the past I was always able to learn new tracks quickly.”

The circuit has an elevation change of 41 metres and is also the longest on the calendar. What do these factors mean for you?
“Hilly tracks have a special charm and give a unique feeling to the driver – we also experience the same such feelings at Zandvoort and Brands Hatch. The 5.245 kilometre length means that qualifying will be even more difficult, because its by no means easy to drive a perfect lap over such a distance.”

What were your first impressions after the first laps during the pre-season test at Mugello?
“The test simply confirmed everything that we already new about the circuit. It’s one of the most demanding on the DTM calendar. In most of the fast sections you feel the effect of the aerodynamics, some corners are ‘blind’ and you therefore have no idea of where the track goes, the difference in height comes on top of these factors. The section before the double-right is very important, because in this right-left combination you really notice the suspension compression in the dip. You have to get everything absolutely perfect here to be able to take the following double-right almost flat out or even without backing off the throttle in qualifying.”

Apart from the typical motorsport aspects, do you have any special links with this Italian track?
“Yes, because half of my family, to be precise the relatives of my fiancée Jasmin, come from Italy. I’m already really looking forward to the race because I love Italy, the lifestyle there and especially the cuisine.”