Mike Rockenfeller claimed first podium in 2007 at Oschersleben Variety of slow and quick corners Perfect view for the fans in the stands
Mike Rockenfeller returns to Oschersleben with Audi, the winning brand of the 2008 DTM season opener. One year ago, the circuit near Magdeburg saw the young driver in a 2006-spec car clinch a position on the front row of the grid in his second DTM qualifying practice, and then finish third on the podium. The second race of the 2008 season will be broacast live on "Das Erste" starting at 1:45 p.m. (local time).Are you happy to return to the venue of your best DTM race so far?"Of course it was great clinching third place in my second DTM race at Oschersleben in the 2007 season, no doubt about it. But I liked the circuit even before my time in the DTM. I drove the very first car race in my career there and have won races at Oschersleben as well."What are the characteristics of this circuit?"There are not many straights there, but frequent directional changes due to highly varied combinations of turns, which I really like. From very slow corners to the quick triple left-hander, this circuit offers plenty of variety."What do you think of the new first turn that has been used since 2007? "The circuit used to be more fluid, now it requires a lot more skill when braking into that bend. Honestly, though: I don’t care, I’ve got no problems with either version. A year ago, when coming out of the following right-hand turn, I overtook Mika Häkkinen. However, all in all, I don’t think that the change has produced the desired effect of clearly more overtaking manoeuvres towards the first left-hander. Last year the start went smoothly, but with such a narrow first turn, this cannot be taken for granted."Where can the fans expect to see some nice overtaking manoeuvres?"For the fans, the nicest aspect about Oschersleben is that they can see most parts of the circuit from the elevated position at the infield. I expect good overtaking opportunities in the first turn after and the last turn before the start and finish line."
