Nicki Thiim has proven to be a true master at Norisring, achieving pole position and winning both races of the weekend in his Aston Martin. This circuit, which has witnessed all his triumphs in the DTM, represents one of his favorite tracks, where he secured his first victory in this competition in 2024 with a Lamborghini SSR.
The Danish driver, who will now be crowned champion halfway through the season, demonstrated his superiority despite the modifications in balance of performance (BoP) and the extra weight due to accumulated successes. Mario Schuhbauer, project manager for Comtoyou’s DTM program, asserts that Thiim is a ‘genuine old-school driver’ who knows how to use the walls as track limits.
Exceptional Skill in Cornering
Schuhbauer highlights that Thiim is able to perfectly judge the limit, controlling his vehicle within a millimeter of the wall at every turn. This undoubtedly makes him stand out compared to other drivers. He had previously shown this in his 2024 victory, and now he continues to repeatedly display this skill at Norisring.
David Schumacher, who has also participated in DTM races, has observed that Thiim adopts a particular line in the last corner. ‘He always stays very close to the wall to minimize drag,’ he explains. This tactic, along with precise braking and exceptional knowledge of track limits, has allowed him to excel in every lap.
The Mystery of His Speed
Thiim himself, with a smile, comments that driving at Norisring requires ‘courage’ and that it is a demanding track for drivers. His technique involves an intense use of brakes, causing him to occasionally feel like he has ramps due to the effort required. When asked if he would reveal any techniques, he simply says, ‘I won’t say anything.’
Regarding strategies on a circuit with so many drawbacks, it is essential to control braking, specifically to avoid the ABS system interfering. More experienced drivers know how to brake in such a way that the ABS does not activate, thus maintaining control during braking.
Thiim’s ability to manage both track limits and braking techniques is crucial to his excellence at Norisring, reaffirming that talent, experience, and strategy are key in this motorsport discipline.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
