Between wall and guardrail – DTM spectacle on the only street circuit in Germany
The action comes thick and fast in the DTM. The spectacular event in the Dutch coastal resort of Zandvoort is followed this weekend (7th to 9th July) by another motorsport highlight at the Norisring in Nuremberg. The only street circuit in Germany is known as the “Franconian Monaco”, due to its unique flair, and is popular among drivers and fans alike. However, the 2.3-kilometre strip of asphalt around the historic stone grandstands is by no means a stroll in the park. The narrow track, many bumps and hard braking manoeuvres demand the utmost concentration at all times from the drivers. The spectators, on the other hand, are treated to a unique spectacle of motor racing. At no other DTM circuit do the cars pass the grandstands as often as at the Norisring. A lap between the Grundig hairpin and Dutzendteich takes just 50 seconds. ProSieben is showing both races from the Norisring live on free-to-air TV in Germany, with coverage starting at 13:00 – half an hour before the start of the race – on Saturday and Sunday.
The Norisring street circuit – a sprint between two turning points
At just 2.3 kilometres in length, the Norisring is a sprint between the Grundig hairpin and Dutzendteich. The layout – three straights, two hairpins and a chicane – may look pretty simple at first glance. However, apart from the turns, there are now run-off zones, as crash barriers and walls accompany the drivers on their laps. Very few other circuits put the brakes on the DTM cars through their paces like the street circuit in Nuremberg. Rapid straights are followed by tight corners and hairpins, on the approach to which the drivers must brake from 250 km/h down to 60 km/h in places. The uneven surface and many bumps make it difficult to hit the exact braking point and fastest line. Mere centimetres can make all the difference here. After the Schöller S, the drivers stick as close as possible to the wall, in order to maintain their speed. In the past, however, this has resulted in the odd wing mirror being left behind on the track.
Qualifying in two groups
Due to the size of the large field, the two qualifyings at the Norisring will each be held in two groups, based on Friday’s free practice sessions. The fastest driver overall will start from pole position, alongside the best driver from the other group. The driver with the second-fastest time in the pole-sitter’s group starts third, with fourth place occupied by the second driver from the other group. As such, the grid positions are not determined solely by the times set, but also the positions in the qualifying sessions. This system is intended to compensate for the different track conditions for the two qualifying groups.
First appearance of the ADAC GT Masters at a DTM event
The ADAC GT Masters returns to the street circuit in Nuremberg for the first time for 15 years on the support programme for the DTM. One of the top favourites is Maximilian Götz (Uffenheim), who is standing in for Arjun Maini at Mercedes-AMG Team HRT and won both races in 2021. However, the 2021 DTM champion is putting in a double shift in Nuremberg, as Götz is also working for ProSieben as an expert and co-commentator. There will be a historic feel to the track this weekend, when DTM Classic lines up for the first time this season. The vintage Group A touring cars from the 1980s and high-tech Class 1 racers from the 1990s will take spectators on a journey through the various eras of the popular racing series. Furthermore, the 455-hp LMP3 cars of the Prototype Cup Germany will also be in action in Nuremberg. Rounding off the programme at the Norisring is the BMW M2 Cup.
Attractive prizes and a packed programme
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