The DTM has one of its great assets in its public, although in recent years the connection with the fans has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. With the progressive return to normality, the promoter of the series knows that it owes all the fans of the event and has wanted to pay their loyalty before the start of the 2022 season. In fact, ITR has announced that the official test of the DTM in Hockenheim will be open to the public free of charge.
The official DTM test at Hockenheim will take place between April 4 and 7 and the public will have free access to the paddock and inner grandstand C. During the four days of testing, fans will be able to access these sections of the circuit from 10 a.m. from the car parks located next to the museum and behind the south grandstand, enabled for fans to leave their vehicles. Access to the paddock will be through the tunnel under the main grandstand, where the access control point is also located.
In this regard, it should be noted that public access will be limited by the regulations in force in Baden-Württemberg and that is summarized in the 3G rule. Therefore, people vaccinated against COVID-19, who have overcome the disease or who present a negative test -‘Geimpft, Genesen, Getestet’- will be able to access the route. The use of a mask that covers the nose and mouth will be mandatory throughout the premises, although in outdoor areas it can be removed if there is a minimum distance of 1.5 meters.
It should be noted that the four days of testing are not reserved for the GT3 of the DTM. In fact, the first and last day will not have activity on the track and the leading role will be for the cars of the DTM Trophy -Monday 4- and the DTM Classic and BMW M2 Cup -Thursday 7-. Therefore, the two central days of the official test will be for the DTM drivers and teams. That yes, the four days of testing are cut by the same pattern, regardless of the category present on the track as there are two sessions, one from 9 to 12 and another from 14 to 18 hours.
Frederic Elsner, director of events and operations at ITR, said of the test: “Having the fans on the track and them having the opportunity to be really close to the drivers is part of the essence of the DTM. This has not always been possible. in recent months, so we have thought about how we could give something back to the people who have followed us faithfully. For this reason and in cooperation with Hockenheim the idea has come up to make this test open to the public for free. We want to start the season all together.
Photos: DTM