Philipp Eng leads Nürburgring testing

If the withdrawal announced for the end of the year from Audi Sport puts the championship DTM in an uncertain position for the future, the German series is among the first to collectively return to the track at Nurburgring, after the cessation of motorsport in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.

Audi Sport and BMW Motorsport were in action on the legendary German track yesterday for the first day of running, and the M4 DTMs were the most energetic with the best time to their credit. Philip Eng.

The two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Spa set the benchmark lap in 1'19"203, beating Robin Frijns and his Audi RS 11 DTM by 5 thousandths. Followed by Ferdinand von Habsburg (Audi – Team WRT) at 0″108 behind Eng, Mike Rockenfeller and René Rast (Audi) to complete the top 5.

Driving sessions which were also an opportunity to see the Pole Robert Kubica in action again, not retained as a starter at Williams Racing, and lined up this year on a BMW M4 – ART Grand Prix. The old pilot Renault achieved the last time 1″3 behind Philipp Eng’s benchmark.

Note that the 2020 cars are equipped with the HYLO system, integrated to prevent the RS 5 and M4 from taking off during accidents. “New rear wing supports with increased surface area and a stronger profile have been designed to achieve a greater kickback effect when the vehicle skids. » indicates the series press release.

Nürburgring Day 1 practice rankings:

1. Philipp Eng, BMW M4 DTM, 1m 19.203s 
2. Robin Frijns, Audi RS 5 DTM, 1m 19.214s 
3. Ferdinand von Habsburg, Audi RS 5 DTM, 1m 19.311s 
4. Mike Rockenfeller, Audi RS 5 DTM, 1m 19.359s 
5. René Rast, Audi RS 5 DTM, 1m 19.406s 
6. Sheldon van der Linde, BMW M4 DTM, 1m 19.511s 
7. Marco Wittmann, BMW M4 DTM, 1m 19.890s 
8. Fabio Scherer, Audi RS 5 DTM, 1m 20.117s 
9. Robert Kubica, Audi RS 5 DTM, 1m 20.519s