Programming Note: Watch DTM live from Lausitzring this weekend on SPEED SPORT 1. Click HERE for complete program guide and how to get SPEED SPORT 1 on your television or mobile device. (North America only)
SHIPKAU, Germany — The field will have its sights set on round one winner Luca Engstler when the DTM travels to the Dekra Lausitzring for its second race this weekend.
The Lamborghini driver won the season-opener in Oschersleben at the wheel of a Huracán GT3 Evo2, and emerges as the championship leader. Ahead of the second of this season’s eight rounds, one thing is already apparent — any driver in this strong field is capable of challenging for victory. As such, unpredictable racing and surprise results are to be expected again at the Lausitzring.
Live coverage Saturday will be later than usual, allowing North American fans to watch live on SPEED SPORT 1 at a reasonable hour. Live coverage starts Saturday at 10:45am EDT, with Race 2 airing at 7:15am EDT. Click HERE for the program guide and how to get SPEED SPORT 1 (North America).
Key facts, Dekra Lausitzring, Schipkau, races three and four of 16
– Length: 3,478 meters
– Layout: 12 corners (five right, seven left), anti-clockwise
– 2023 winner, race one: Jack Aitken (Emil Frey Racing, Ferrari 296 GT3)
– 2023 winner, race two: Mirko Bortolotti (SSR Performance, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2)
Engstler Confident, Preining Must Up His Game
Engstler claimed his maiden DTM victory in Oschersleben, under the watchful eye of his father and former DTM driver Franz. In doing so, he already achieved his personal goal for the season.
“I wanted to win a DTM race this year. Maybe I need to rethink my goals. However, the championship lead is only a snapshot. I am taking it one race at a time. I want to consistently improve my understanding of the Lamborghini and to score points at the Lausitzring and the other venues,” says the championship leader.
Fellow Oschersleben winner Aitken lies second in the table and travels to the Lausitzring with grand ambitions. Last year, the former Formula 1 driver claimed his first DTM victory there, and a similar performance this time around would cement his position at the top end of the championship. Mirko Bortolotti (I) also has fond memories of the track in Lower Lusatia, where the Lamborghini driver won one of last year’s most exciting races, crossing the finish line just ahead of Audi ace Ricardo Feller.
After a mediocre start to the season, defending champion Thomas Preining finds himself under pressure. The Porsche works driver did manage to cut his losses with nine points in the first two races, but must improve considerably – particularly in qualifying – if he is to avoid losing touch with the front-runners early on in the season.
The Circuit
With 12 corners and few straights, the Lausitzring is technically very demanding and driven anti-clockwise. Good traction is important at the winding circuit, in order for the 600-horsepower cars to be able to accelerate at full pace out of the narrow sections. The bumps are another characteristic of the 3.478-kilometer strip of asphalt in Lower Lusatia. Here too, the car set-up must be perfect, in order to avoid the excessive bouncing. Spectators get great views of all the action around the entire circuit and in the pit lane from the imposing main grandstand.
Local Favorite
Maximilian Paul is the driver with the shortest journey to the second race weekend of the season. The 24-year-old and his team Paul Motorsport come from Dresden, roughly 60 kilometers from the Lausitzring, making the home outing particularly special for the Lamborghini driver.
“I raced in the DTM at the Lausitzring last year, but to start as a regular driver with my own racing team this time is something else. There will be plenty going in the garage, as we are expecting a lot of sponsors and supporters. That gives you extra motivation, plus we know our home circuit well. The Lausitzring is quite a slow track with a lot of bumps, which makes the way the car handles crucial. As always, we will be going flat-out,” promises the local favorite.
Watch DTM live from Lausitzring this weekend on SPEED SPORT 1. Click HERE for complete program guide and how to get SPEED SPORT 1 on your television or mobile device. (North America only)