Will DTM boss Gerhard Berger miss the historic title finale at Hockenheim next weekend with ten drivers who theoretically still have a chance of winning the title? The Austrian is currently struggling with a coronavirus infection – it is unclear whether he will be fit again in time and can show a negative test.
In an interview with “Bild”, the 63-year-old revealed his infection when asked about his balance of the first post-Corona season. “After? They’re good!” Berger replied in an interview conducted earlier this week. “I currently have Corona and don’t even know if I’ll make it to the race.”
Berger responded to the recovery wishes with: “Thank you, it’ll be fine.” According to a spokeswoman for the DTM umbrella organization ITR, Berger is “doing well given the circumstances”. Whether he makes it to Hockenheim will depend primarily on whether his test result is negative. What is his season record?
Berger’s DTM record for 2022
“We have created a good format, have the best teams, the highest quality in the field of drivers, extremely exciting competition and with up to 16 nations and five brands, we have great international appeal,” says the Austrian, who has been head of the racing series since 2017 and since also acted as the sole owner after the manufacturer left the company at the end of 2020.
“The audience utilization is again at 75 to 80 percent compared to before Corona. In a year or two, the pre-Corona level could be reached,” he hopes. At the moment, however, one is also feeling “the effects of the Ukraine war, the energy crisis, inflation. In the sense that people keep their money together”.
There is also “uncertainty, a reluctance to make investment decisions” among the sponsors, he sees himself confronted with a new challenge after the coronavirus crisis has subsided.
Does Tomczyk have to represent Berger?
Berger has not been present on all DTM race days a number of times this season and stated that he needs more time for his different companies and his family.
That is also the reason why former DTM champion Martin Tomczyk, who took over the series management of the DTM Trophy at the ITR at the beginning of the year and has been the senior series manager since the beginning of the second half of the season, is playing an increasingly important role.
Tomczyk, who is the official DTM representative for the brand and sports area, also represents Berger at public appearances when he is unable to do so.