DTM Assen: First step towards "normality
2020 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FRONT OF PUBLIC The fourth DTM weekend in 2020 will be a special one. For the first time, spectators will be allowed on site at Assen. An additional motivation for Nico Müller and Fabio Scherer. The TT Circuit at Assen, known primarily for motorcycle racing, already thrilled the DTM drivers at last year's premiere. This time, the anticipation for the fourth [...]
The TT Circuit of Assen, known primarily for motorcycle racing, already thrilled the DTM drivers at last year's premiere. This time, the anticipation for the fourth race weekend is twice as great: For the first time, spectators - 10,000 per day - are allowed at the circuit in this exceptional year.
Nico Müller: "Holland has very enthusiastic fans who love racing. The fact that spectators can be on site for the first time this season makes Assen a very special race for us."
No more conservative strategy
Since the delayed season opener on the first weekend of August in Spa, the Bernese, who has since become a proud dad, has been at the top of the standings. And that's how it should stay.
His lead after six of 18 rounds over second-placed defending champion René Rast is already 36 points (here the exact distribution of points and the championship standings) - i.e. more than there is to be gained in the ideal case on a race day (25 for victory and 3 for pole position).
After he and his Audi Team Abt Sportsline gave away points on the second Lausitz weekend with a strategy that was a bit too conservative - in terms of the timing of tire changes - he now wants to go all out for victory again.
Nico Müller: "I already fought for victory on both days at Assen in 2019. I hope that will be the case again. In any case, I'm in good spirits and top prepared. And when we have the car to do it again, we'll be a bit more aggressive in our approach. If you can win, you should also try it with the appropriate strategy."
Home game for the teammate
His teammate Robin Frijns could tip the scales. The Dutchman has started from pole position in four of the six DTM races so far this year. He would therefore like to celebrate his long-awaited first victory in front of his home crowd at Assen.
With 92 points, the local hero is only five points behind champion René Rast (97), but already 41 behind Nico Müller. So the Swiss will undoubtedly face even tougher competition from his own camp.
Robin Frijns: "The Lausitzring has never suited me particularly well. Assen, on the other hand, is right up my alley, even though I had bad luck there last year. The track is very fluid, comparable to Spa. It's hard on the tires, but we've got a lot of experience in that respect by now."
Premiere for Fabio Scherer
For Fabio Scherer, Assen represents a premiere. But at 21, the youngest rider in the field is looking forward to it.
Fabio Scherer: "The track gives me a fast impression on paper. It's very varied and the layout should suit me. New tracks are always a new challenge. And I love that."
For him and WRT Team Audi Sport, this weekend is all about gaining further experience. Qualifying will be particularly important.
Fabio Scherer: "We've analyzed the last qualifying sessions and will hopefully make a step forward there. Because the gaps in the DTM are very small, a few tenths of a second can make a big difference. At Assen, where overtaking probably won't be easy, a good grid position is all the more important."
He is also particularly pleased with the presence of fans.
Fabio Scherer: "It will be a good feeling to be on the starting grid and see fans. There will even be some traveling all the way from Switzerland. Of course, that's additional motivation for me."
Live on SAT1
Both races will be broadcast live on German station SAT1 on Saturday and Sunday, September 5 and 6. The broadcasts begin at 1 p.m., with the start at 1:30 p.m. in each case.
