Premiere on Ardennes circuit 07.05.2013: Deutschen Tourenwagen Challenge des DMSB - ADAC PROCAR • Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit in the 2013 season

Deutschen Tourenwagen Challenge des DMSB - ADAC PROCAR




•  Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit in the 2013 season

•  former Formula 1 driver Christian Klien starting in Division 1

•  only Thierfelder and van der Hoek know the circuit from previous races

•  livestream available for both races on the website www.adac-procar.de



For most of the drivers the first race in Spa Francorchamps is approaching soon. The traditional circuit is known for its curves, shielded from view, and of course for the “Eau Rouge”. The second racing weekend of this still young season will be about sending clear signals as the first discussions about the most promising candidate for the championship will most likely start after the fourth race on Sunday.


The seven kilometres long circuit in the Ardennes is awaiting the drivers of the Deutschen Tourenwagen Challenge des DMSB - ADAC PROCAR with its uphill and downhill stretches. For the first time, the second racing weekend of the season is taking place at the traditional circuit in Spa-Francorchamps and it will be the first out of three events abroad. New circuits are always popular among touring car drivers even more so if it is a varied circuit like the Belgian one.


Among the drivers of Division 1, two drivers looking especially forward to the upcoming races: Guest starter Christian Klien is a huge fan of the circuit as he achieved his first points in the Formula 1 here. Dutch driver Ardi van der Hoek can only report positive things on the circuit as well:


“It is my favourite circuit and I have never driven here in a touring car - it’s going to be exciting”, the 36-year-old states, who is currently ranging fourth in the overall standings. Spa is a mostly welcomed opportunity for Jens Weimann and Johannes Leidinger, champions of the years 2012 and 2011, to make up some points:


In Oschersleben, Leidinger was not able to achieve as many points as he had wished for due to a technical defect and Weimann is now starting with a brand-new engine after a change of engines in Oschersleben.


Markus Huggler will have to protect himself from attacks of the two champions. Huggler had a dream start in Oschersleben and is currently leading the championship with an equal points score with Weimann.




In Division 2 it is the multiple champion Guido Thierfelder, who knows the circuit but he does not regard his knowledge as an advantage: “Every skilled driver should be able to know the circuit as well as I do after the free training. I was here ten years ago - so my memory is not that vivid”, he admits.


Thierfelder is currently training a real competitor for the season 2013 in his own team: Rookie David Griessner is leading the championship standings level on points with Ralf Glatzel and wants to present himself as a possible championship candidate in Spa. But also Ralf Glatzel aims at fighting for the championship in Division 2 this season as well. A victory and a second place in Oschersleben were a huge step in that direction.


The lap times of other rookies are eagerly awaited, especially those from the ADAC Stiftung Sport fellows: 16-year-old Pascal Hoffmann and Julia Trampert (19 years). Among the rookies are also the Dane Thomas Krebs, who will make his debut in the series, and Yury Krauchuk.


They will be fighting for high-quality material prizes and the trophy money of the additional extra ranking for young drivers, the Rookie Cup. The two Citroen drivers Olaf Müller and Andreas Rinke further complete the starting field in Spa.


     
Katharina Brüggmann - photos ADAC