Luca Engstler leads the championship after Round 1, the Lamborghini driver won the season opener in Oschersleben unexpectedly in the Huracán GT3 Evo2. If round 1 taught us anything, it’s that any driver in the on the grid can contend for victory, promising unpredictable races and surprising results at the Lausitzring.
Engstler achieved his first DTM victory in Oschersleben, fulfilling his season’s goal early. Now, he aims to understand his Lamborghini better, maintain his lead, and score consistently at upcoming races like the Lausitzring. Aitken, the Oschersleben Race 1 winner and second in the standings, has high ambitions for the Lausitzring after his first DTM victory there last year. Bortolotti, also with good memories from the circuit, seeks to repeat his past success.
On the other hand, defending champion Preining faces pressure after a slow start to the season. He needs significant improvement, especially in qualifying, to stay competitive and not fall behind the leaders early in the championship.
Arjun Maini’s performance in round 1 was remarkable, drawing praise as a “man reborn” by commentators, displaying impressive pace throughout the weekend. Despite narrowly missing out on the podium in the first round, Maini will look to secure a place on the podium in Lausitzring. His consistent and promising performance suggests that he is a strong contender for achieving success and bringing home some silverware from this race weekend.
The Circuit
The Lausitzring presents a significant technical challenge with its twelve curves and limited straight sections, all navigated in an anti-clockwise direction. The circuit’s design emphasizes the importance of good traction to achieve maximum acceleration, especially in narrow passages, using vehicles with up to 600 hp. Another characteristic of the track is its bumps, requiring precise vehicle setup to minimize car bouncing. Spectators can enjoy watching the action from the expansive main stand, with a view that covers the entire circuit and the pit lane.
Key facts, Dekra Lausitzring
- Track length: 3,478 meters
- Layout: 12 turns (five right-handers, seven left-handers), driven counterclockwise
- Winner 2023, Race 1: Jack Aitken (Emil Frey Racing, Ferrari 296 GT3)
- Winner 2023, Race 2: Mirko Bortolotti (SSR Performance, Lamborghini Huracán GT3 Evo2)
Where to Watch
You can watch all the sessions live on Fancode. The time table for the weekend is given below: