• Hockenheim is second fastest track after Mugello
  • Braking from high-speed and traction very important
  • Special atmosphere with firework display at finale
DTM 2007
Audi A4 DTM #7 (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline), Tom Kristensen

The destiny of the DTM title will only be decided at the Hockenheim finale (Sunday from 1:45 p.m. live on German TV “Das Erste). The DTM returns to the 4.574 kilometre track and scene of the opening race in April. Tom Kristensen talks about the circuit where more than 100,000 spectators have brought the atmosphere to fever pitch in the grandstands in the past.

Hockenheim is the second fastest track on the calendar. At the same time it also has several very slow corners – how does this affect the set-up?
“Such a combination of factors on such a circuit is indeed important. Braking from high-speed is a very important element of the set-up, in the same way the car must be well balanced in the fast corners. Furthermore, the precise change of direction in tight corners and good traction are basic set-up requirements.”

Hockenheim is the only circuit that is used twice per season – is this seen as an advantage because you have data and recent experience?
“I would even go as far as to say that Hockenheim is the most important date on the calendar because we visit it twice. It’s already a tradition that the opening and closing races of the season are run there. At the same time, it is also the home track of our rival who we obviously want to beat. It goes without saying that the data from the first race in April is helpful since the gear ratios and aerodynamic data are quite special. And something else is great: The track features state-of-the-art facilities and can hold a huge amount of spectators who are supported by an excellent traffic network – all this twice a year in the DTM.”

Where can the fans expect to see the best overtaking manoeuvres?
“You often see good overtaking manoeuvres at the hairpin, and the fans can also expect wheel-to-wheel action two corners later. The second corner after the start and finish is also a good place. Because the tyres are more consistent than in previous years you see less overtaking manoeuvres in the Motodrom – however, anything is possible at the finale!”

What does the atmosphere in the Motodrom mean to a driver?
“It’s like a big stadium – quite simply sensational. At the start of my career it was absolutely amazing to race in front of so many packed grandstands. The rockets that line the start and finish and which are ignited as we cross the finish line at the end of the season are also something very special. It is an incredible and fitting atmosphere for every champion.”