The Nürburgring as seen by Frank Biela
Only two weeks after the Shanghai invitation race, the DTM has returned to Germany. Most of the Audi drivers have positive memories of the Nürburgring sprint track, the venue of the sixth round of the season: Mattias Ekström – after taking pole - barely missed victory last year. Emanuele Pirro clinched victory at this circuit right in his first DTM stint in 1990, Frank Biela, whose last triumph in the DTM was at the Nürburgring in 1992, is returning to his “home track” as part of Audi’s DTM comeback. The former DTM champion comments on the short version of the Nürburgring:
What’s your impression of the redesigned Nürburgring?
Frank Biela: “Although my career has frequently taken me to the Nürburgring, I only know the circuit’s new variant after the start-finish-line from my stints in last year’s 24-hour race. Racing the new combination with the Audi A4 DTM is great fun. This sector is highly demanding, particularly the first tight turn at the end of the finish straight is a tough one. In my opinion, the new variant makes the short track a lot more interesting yet.“
What are the key points at the Nürburgring?
Frank Biela: “For me, they’re located in the new sector in particular, where it’s very hard to find the right line and optimum grip. Especially the second corner is tricky. It’s very long and drawn out, drops down towards the outside and has only one quick line. You can either gain or lose time in this turn.“
Where are the possibilities for overtaking at the Nürburgring?
Frank Biela: “At the end of the finish straight and when braking into the NGK chicane, for sure. As far as overtaking is concerned, the Nürburgring is a truly interesting circuit. There are probably other possibilities for overtaking, but you usually discover them only in the race.“
How important is the start, which is immediately followed by a tight turn?
Frank Biela: “The start is immensely important. At the Nürburgring you have to try to find a happy medium: stay away from the ‘dog fighting’, yet be sure not to be too timid either.“
On Sunday, the Nürburgring will be sold out. What kind of a feeling is that?
Frank Biela: “I was truly surprised to hear about the gigantic number of advance tickets sold. Having a full house is always great – and particularly so for my ‘home match’ at the ‘ring’.“