This week, the DTM enters the intense final phase of its preparations for the coming season: the official Test and Media Day, on 2nd April at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben, sees the drivers and teams go head to head for the first time this year.
With just short of eight hours of driving time, the pre-season test represents a dress rehearsal for the season-opener (25th to 27th April in Oschersleben) and offers the stars of the DTM an ideal opportunity to fine-tune their cars under competitive conditions. Particular focus will be on the tyres, with the teams using the new Pirelli slicks for the first time. Spectators can watch the test live at the circuit, where they can also go in search of selfies and autographs.
A spectacular first show of strength awaits fans, as the field welcomes a further two premium manufacturers in Aston Martin and Ford. The HRT Ford Performance team lines up with two Ford Mustang GT3, while Belgian outfit Comtoyo Racing starts with two Aston Martin Vantage GT3. Mirko Bortolotti will be given his first taste of life as the defending champion. The Lamborghini works driver lines up for Abt Sportsline this year. One of the Italian’s big-name rivals is former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock, who returns to the DTM in a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo with Dörr Motorsport. All eyes will also be on youngsters Morris Schuring (NL) and Tom Kalender (Hamm/Sieg), who will make their debuts on the DTM stage. 20-year-old Schuring starts for the Manthey Junior Team, while Kalender is part of the line-up at Mercedes-AMG Team Landgraf and, at just 17 years and 30 days, is set to become the youngest DTM driver ever at the opening race of the season.
Oschersleben offers visitors the unique opportunity to follow the first test laps of the new season up close and personal. Furthermore, spectators can also check out the ADAC GT4 Germany test on the Thursday (3rd April). The junior series will hold two sessions – from 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00. Tickets are available for € 5 at the gate on both the Wednesday and the Thursday.
Programme for official DTM Test and Media Day (provisional):
Wednesday 2nd April
09:10 – 13:00 DTM test session 1
14:00 – 18:00 DTM test session 2
Thursday 3rd April
09:00 – 13:00 ADAC GT4 Germany test session 1
14:00 – 18:00 ADAC GT4 Germany test session 2
*Info is as press release (DTM website)
