Preview Spa: Fabio aims for points

This weekend the first race of the DTM season 2020 will take place at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Without fans at the racetrack a tight program with one free practice session, two qualifying and two races will be held over two days. For Fabio Scherer, who drives for WRT Team Audi Sport, it will be the first race this year. And the first DTM weekend ever. “I can hardly wait until it starts,” says Scherer impatiently. “And I’m particularly happy to contest my first DTM race at Spa. I know this track from Formula 3, it’s great. And I have good memories.”

The 7.004 km circuit, which is also used by Formula 1, is not only extremely popular among drivers. With the long straights and the twisty second sector, which is very downhill, Spa is also a challenge in terms of set-up. “I assume there will be a lot of action,” says Scherer. “On the long straights there will be good overtaking opportunities thanks to slipstream and DRS. And in the fast corners the DTM cars will be pushed to the limits.”

On his first DTM weekend, Scherer wants to implement what he successfully learned during the previous two tests. “My goal is to get into a rhythm as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the tight schedule does not allow any mistakes. But thanks to my track knowledge I should quickly feel comfortable in the car.” When it comes to results, the youngest driver in the DTM field is holding back. “If I get some points I’ll be satisfied.”

Vincent Vosse, Fabios teamprincipal at WRT Team Audi Sport, is also looking forward to the season opener: “Our GT World Challenge Europe team gave the example last weekend, and it would be fantastic to have similarly positive starts of the season in the DTM, at our home track of Spa. It’s a key year for us, as we have evolved to a 3-car entry and have expanded the team, which includes now about 30 members. We have three new drivers, and the pre-season tests went very well. The very strict Covid-19 protocols has brought to two days the weekend format, with the loss of one free practice session. Therefore, we will have to work well in a tight schedule and avoid any mistake. After reaching first row in three occasions last year, the objective for 2020 will be to get onto the podium.”

Schedule
Saturday, August 1^st
Free practice     09.00-09.45
Qualifying 1       10.55-11.15
Race 1                 13.33-14.50

Sunday, August 2^nd
Qualifying 2       10.45-11.05
Race 2                 13.33-14.50