Fabio Scherer: The wait will soon be over
DTM TEST DRIVES In the second week of June, the DTM teams catch up with their official test drives at the Nürburgring. Not only for works driver Nico Müller, but also for rookie Fabio Scherer, the time of waiting is finally over. On a total of four days (June 8 to 11), the official test drives of all DTM teams and their drivers will take place on the Nürburgring's short [...]
Over a total of four days (June 8 to 11), the official test drives of all DTM teams and their drivers will take place on the Nürburgring's short circuit. The new date replaces the pre-season test originally scheduled for mid-March (first planned for Monza, then moved to Hockenheim), which could not take place for health and safety reasons.
Special safety concept
A dedicated infection control concept developed by the umbrella organization ITR for the upcoming season will be used. The test drives will be carried out in compliance with strict distance and hygiene rules with a significantly reduced number of people on site - with all personnel from the participating organizations being checked daily for any symptoms of Covid-19.
Europe's most popular touring car series is thus returning to a "New Normal" that society will also expect in racing in the second half of the year. Accordingly, this will also include races that will initially be held without fans and media on site, like the test drives.
Still a good feeling
This means that the waiting period for the two Swiss drivers Nico Müller and Fabio Scherer, who will be competing in the 2020 DTM, will soon come to an end. While Müller tackles his seventh season, a new chapter begins for DTM rookie Scherer.
After the rather mixed 2019 Formula 3 season, the Lucerne native, who lives in Engelberg, is looking forward to the first official test drives with the Audi RS 5 DTM entered by WRT from Belgium. He last sat in it in mid-December.
Fabio Scherer: "We are all going through a very difficult time at the moment. That's why we have to stick strictly to the guidelines. Nevertheless, it will be a good feeling to be back in the car for the first time after a six-month break and to work with my team on the track."
Early birthday present
Two days after the ITR test, Scherer will celebrate his 21st birthday. As a present, so to speak, the WRT Audi will be in the colors of this year's sponsors.
Fabio Scherer: "I'm looking forward to this moment and would like to thank my sponsors Stobag and ATS Banding not only for their many years of cooperation, but also for their loyalty during this difficult time. I can't wait to get out on the track with the new car."
Physically, the DTM rookie feels well prepared.
Fabio Scherer: "Due to the special situation, I did almost more sports than usual. The only thing that came up short this season was skiing. But I was out and about a lot by bike or on foot. In addition, I spent a lot of time on the wakeboard in the past weeks."
Norisring with question mark
It is currently unclear where and when the DTM 2020 season will start with the first races. For the time being, it is scheduled for the weekend of July 10 to 12 at the Norisring in Nuremberg. But completely without spectators? Actually unimaginable...
