Hockenheim as seen by Martin Tomczyk
After three 1-2 victories in a row and Mattias Ekström’s early title win, Audi have set two goals for the 2004 DTM season finale at Hockenheim: in front of an expected record turnout of 100,000, the Audi works team want to deliver another good performance before going into the winter break. In addition – after winning the drivers’ and teams’ classifications – Audi want to clinch the DTM manufacturers’ title as well. Audi driver Martin Tomczyk, who claimed pole on Saturday, comments on the 4.574-kilometre circuit:
What’s your impression of the Hockenheimring?
Martin Tomczyk: “The Hockenheim circuit offers an interesting mix. The first part with the straights and the parabolica is very fast, while the sector with the motodrome is relatively slow. Although the quick stretches don’t suit us all that well, our A4 is such a perfect all-rounder that we’ll be able to make up for that in other areas.“
What are the key points for you here at Hockenheim?
Martin Tomczyk: “What’s important for us is to clock the best possible times in the motodrome. In this narrow sector, everything’s got to be absolutely perfect.“
Where do you see the best opportunities for overtaking?
Martin Tomczyk: “One possibility will probably be at the end of the parabolica when braking to enter the hairpin. For us, the meandering stretch in the motodrome will likely be the best place for an attack.“
What do you expect to happen in the first turn after the start?
Martin Tomczyk: “At Hockenheim, the first corner is not likely to be particularly dangerous. It’s a very wide bend and, besides, there’s the possibility to make way by moving out on the asphalt if things should really be getting too tight.“
The grandstands will be sold out for the race. As a driver, do you even notice the presence of all those fans?
Martin Tomczyk: “Of course, you do. I’m already looking forward to the formation lap when all the flags are being waved and you can even hear the air horns inside the car despite all that noise. And during the race, as well, the return to the motodrome, which is almost like a sold-out football stadium, is always a real highlight.“