The first DTM test of the 2013 season took place on Wednesday and Thursday, at the Valencia circuit.
In attendance were former F1 drivers Robert Kubica and Timo Glock, with both drivers finding a feel for the car. It proved to be a big success, but for different reasons.
The end of the test on Thursday marked an announcement the following day, confirming Ex-Toyota and Marussia F1 Driver Timo Glock had signed a deal to race for BMW in DTM. This was exactly what the German was looking for, after being axed by Formula 1 back markers Marussia at the beginning of the week.
He said "It is very exciting for me to drive for BMW again after all these years – and in such a top-class racing series as the DTM,” said Glock. “I had a fantastic time in Formula One, but am now looking forward to battling for victories again with my old friends at BMW Motorsport. That is the approach I shall be taking to the challenge of the DTM.
"I am obviously aware I will have to adapt to a few areas. Not all former Formula One drivers have found their feet immediately in the DTM. But I am using precisely that as my motivation. After winning the title in such impressive fashion last year, there can be absolutely be no question that the BMW M3 DTM has everything it needs to allow us to compete at the front of the field again in 2013."
Timo found success in Formula 1 first with Jordan, where he temporarily stepped in to Giorgio Pantano's seat whilst he found funding. He scored points with the small British team, before moving back to GP2. He then returned to F1 after taking the feeder series title, racing for car giants Toyota. He scored a number of podiums during his time at the squad, but their exit from F1 meant he was forced in to a move to Marussia, a new team who began life as Virgin Racing. He stayed with the team for three years as they progressed and developed, but was dropped less than a week ago in a "mutual" agreement.
Fellow Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica was also in action at the test. However he was not searching for a 2013 driver, despite making progress during the two days.
The Pole suffered career changing injuries in a rally crash two years ago, and has steadily recovered after narrowly avoiding amputation of his right hand. The test was to help the 28-year-old develop and assess how his injury would affect his driving.
The test was a success, Kubica saying "My first day of testing in a DTM car was big fun, I learned a lot about both the race series and the Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. I completed my first installation lap in dry conditions but then, we had to cope with temporarily heavy rain and had to wait for better conditions and a dry track. Nonetheless, it was a good experience to find out how the car handles in different conditions right on my first day in its cockpit.
"I was able to quickly familiarise with the DTM Mercedes AMG C-CoupĂ© and felt really comfortable, in the car. Nonetheless, I have to admit that it took me some time to re-accustom to the high level of downforce produced by vehicles such as the DTM cars. But I’m happy with my performance on my first day of DTM testing and there was nothing to complain about, in the car."
He tested with new Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff's HWA team and added that a full season in the series could be a possibility.
"The DTM season starts quite late, so there is a little more time. It's definitely a possibility, but it depends on various factors. But the most important one is that my pace is right and that I feel comfortable in the car."
It is unlikely that he will race in DTM during the 2013 season, but his gentle ease back in to racing continues with a campaign in the European Rally Championship.
Images courtesy of DTM
In attendance were former F1 drivers Robert Kubica and Timo Glock, with both drivers finding a feel for the car. It proved to be a big success, but for different reasons.
The end of the test on Thursday marked an announcement the following day, confirming Ex-Toyota and Marussia F1 Driver Timo Glock had signed a deal to race for BMW in DTM. This was exactly what the German was looking for, after being axed by Formula 1 back markers Marussia at the beginning of the week.
He said "It is very exciting for me to drive for BMW again after all these years – and in such a top-class racing series as the DTM,” said Glock. “I had a fantastic time in Formula One, but am now looking forward to battling for victories again with my old friends at BMW Motorsport. That is the approach I shall be taking to the challenge of the DTM.
"I am obviously aware I will have to adapt to a few areas. Not all former Formula One drivers have found their feet immediately in the DTM. But I am using precisely that as my motivation. After winning the title in such impressive fashion last year, there can be absolutely be no question that the BMW M3 DTM has everything it needs to allow us to compete at the front of the field again in 2013."
Timo found success in Formula 1 first with Jordan, where he temporarily stepped in to Giorgio Pantano's seat whilst he found funding. He scored points with the small British team, before moving back to GP2. He then returned to F1 after taking the feeder series title, racing for car giants Toyota. He scored a number of podiums during his time at the squad, but their exit from F1 meant he was forced in to a move to Marussia, a new team who began life as Virgin Racing. He stayed with the team for three years as they progressed and developed, but was dropped less than a week ago in a "mutual" agreement.
Fellow Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica was also in action at the test. However he was not searching for a 2013 driver, despite making progress during the two days.
The Pole suffered career changing injuries in a rally crash two years ago, and has steadily recovered after narrowly avoiding amputation of his right hand. The test was to help the 28-year-old develop and assess how his injury would affect his driving.The test was a success, Kubica saying "My first day of testing in a DTM car was big fun, I learned a lot about both the race series and the Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. I completed my first installation lap in dry conditions but then, we had to cope with temporarily heavy rain and had to wait for better conditions and a dry track. Nonetheless, it was a good experience to find out how the car handles in different conditions right on my first day in its cockpit.
"I was able to quickly familiarise with the DTM Mercedes AMG C-CoupĂ© and felt really comfortable, in the car. Nonetheless, I have to admit that it took me some time to re-accustom to the high level of downforce produced by vehicles such as the DTM cars. But I’m happy with my performance on my first day of DTM testing and there was nothing to complain about, in the car."
He tested with new Mercedes Motorsport boss Toto Wolff's HWA team and added that a full season in the series could be a possibility.
"The DTM season starts quite late, so there is a little more time. It's definitely a possibility, but it depends on various factors. But the most important one is that my pace is right and that I feel comfortable in the car."
It is unlikely that he will race in DTM during the 2013 season, but his gentle ease back in to racing continues with a campaign in the European Rally Championship.
Images courtesy of DTM
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