After already having to change the programme for this month’s Lausitzring spherical on the request of TV companion ProSieben, which can also be broadcasting the Ice Hockey World Championship, the beginning of the second Zandvoort race has additionally been pushed again as a result of a scheduling battle with the Le Mans take a look at.
Whereas the timings for Saturday’s periods stay the identical, the second race on Sunday will now happen at 5pm native time, 3h30m later than the DTM’s ordinary 1:30pm slot. Furthermore, the grid for that contest will likely be determined by a qualifying session on Friday night, immediately after the 2 apply periods.
The standard pre-Le Mans take a look at is scheduled for 9 June, the identical day because the second Zandvoort DTM race and every week earlier than the blue-riband spherical of the World Endurance Championship.
“We need to current our followers with the absolute best discipline,” ADAC motorsport director Thomas Voss defined concerning the resolution when requested by Autosport’s sister web site Motorsport-Complete.com.
“Due to this fact, along with the groups and our TV companion ProSieben, now we have agreed to postpone the beginning on Sunday in order that DTM drivers can participate within the Le Mans take a look at.
“Which means that no driver has a handicap within the title combat, and ideally we are able to welcome a Le Mans winner from the DTM on the [next round in] Norisring.”
Initially, the ADAC didn’t see the necessity to change the timings of the Zandvoort spherical, because the Le Mans take a look at isn’t obligatory and even rookies like Wittmann can theoretically full their necessary laps in a apply session on the next Wednesday.
Nonetheless, the significance of the Le Mans take a look at can’t be estimated, particularly contemplating BMW has obtained solely reasonable success with its LMDh programme in WEC and IMSA SportsCar Championship to this point.
Furthermore, the German marque is eager on having Rast within the pre-race take a look at at La Sarthe, because the 37-year-old has prototype expertise on the monitor and is understood for his methodical strategy.
Due to this fact, the ADAC has determined to carry the second Zandvoort race late within the night. This may enable drivers who compete in each Le Mans and the DTM to fly to France on Saturday night, with an airport positioned proper subsequent to the monitor, after which participate within the take a look at on Sunday morning.
Following the take a look at, they’ll return to the Netherlands to see out the DTM weekend.