Impressive DTM start at Oschersleben for Sheldon van der Linde: The defending champion from the Schubert Motorsport team was the best driver after the two free practice sessions on Friday.
In the BMW M4 GT3, the South African set the fastest lap of 1:21.960 minutes and was the only competitor to break the 1:22.000 minute mark. “The track was faster in the second free practice than in the first session.
The car also ran better, so we’re confident about qualifying on Saturday,” said the BMW driver. In the first free practice session, Mirko Bortolotti (I) from SSR Performance set the fastest lap (1:22.376 minutes).
Van der Linde’s team-mate René Rast (D) in the BMW M4 GT3, as the second fastest driver of the day, ensured a perfect start for local hero Schubert Motorsport. “First and foremost, we wanted to test our pace for qualifying. The fact that things went so well is positive and gives us a lot of confidence for the weekend. The tire worked very well in the second session at the higher temperatures, but tomorrow morning during qualifying it will be rather chilly. Then things will look different again,” explained the three-time DTM Champion.
Mattia Drudi (I) in the Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo2 was only five thousandths of a second slower. “It was very difficult in both sessions. The level in the DTM is unbelievably high and the field is very close together. We have a good package, but we still have to improve the set-up of the car. But I’m happy with this result and hope for the qualifying for a free lap”, wishes the driver from Team Tresor Orange 1.
Mick Wishofer (A) achieved the fourth fastest time in the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2 from the GRT Grasser Racing Team, fifth was his brand colleague Franck Perera (F) from SSR Performance.