Mercedes-Benz DTM Team today realeased statements from Jamie Green, Bruno Spengler, Ralf Schumacher David Coulthard and Norbert Haug regarding the upcoming DTM Norisring Race.
Jamie Green, best-placed 2009-season car driver after three races of the 2010 DTM season, and winner of the last two DTM races at Norisring:
“I won the race at Norisring in 2008 and 2009 – driving one and the same car. The circuit looks quite straightforward, but it can be deceptive. The numerous undulations give the car problems and need great concentration on the part of the driver, especially when braking hard from around 260 km/h to less than 50 km/h before the hairpins.”
Bruno Spengler, DTM Vice-Champion in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, and leader in the overall ranking after three races of the 2010 season:
“I have won twice at Norisring – in 2006 and 2007. I like this course and its unique atmosphere, with many fans. I have started the season well with 26 points in three races and leadership in the overall ranking, and I want to continue this trend.”
Ralf Schumacher, starting in his third DTM race at Norisring:
“Norisring is one of my favourite tracks. Last year I achieved my best DTM result so far there. I am expecting an exciting race which will make heavy physical demands. The circuit layout looks simple, but it has its challenges and merciless duels are guaranteed. The frequently high, summery temperatures up to 60 degrees in the cockpit can also make things uncomfortably hot. The drivers need to be in first-class physical condition for the 82 laps, and I certainly am.”
David Coulthard, driving in his fourth DTM race at Norisring:
“Norisring is rightly known as the Monaco of the DTM. I already liked the track a great deal during my visit last year, with its impressive atmosphere and numerous enthusiastic spectators. The short cycles between acceleration, braking and steering into bends make extreme demands on the drivers and cars, passing the starting/finishing line after lap times of less than 50 seconds. With the bumpy surface, and walls and crash barriers very close to the track, it is necessary to drive very precisely. My aim at Norisring is to follow on from my good qualifying result at Lausitzring, and perhaps my first DTM top-ten result will be on the cards.”
Norbert Haug:
“Every race in the DTM calendar is a one-off – but Norisring is always the most unique each year.
The route right through the city of Nuremburg is only driven on once a year, on a single racing weekend, and as short and simple as it looks, it poses a unique challenge for the vehicles, drivers and teams. From 2003 to 2009 we have achieved seven victories in succession at Norisring.
The last two wins in 2008 and 2009 were achieved by Jamie Green with one and the same car, which is unprecedented and speaks for the quality of the driver, team and car – while confirming that even as a previous-season model, our C-Class is undoubtedly up-to-date.
Our teams and drivers are looking forward to the new round of challenges at Norisring in 2010, and we all know – although the statistics over the last few years say differently – that Mercedes-Benz by no means has an ongoing claim to victory in Nuremberg forever.
Nonetheless we will try to follow the seven previous victories with an eighth.”
