This weekend’s International Formula Master (IFM) rounds in Oschersleben, Germany, could provide some unexpected winners with the majority of IFM’s young drivers having already raced on the circuit before.
Many of the 30-strong racers have gained a wealth of experience this year with the Series’ calendar including a number of tracks unknown to several of the drivers, but Oschersleben is a different story. IFM’s official test earlier this month will also have contributed; the day-long testing session took place at the German circuit with Scuderia Famà’s Luca Persiani claiming one of the fastest times.
“The track is very similar to Anderstorp in terms of set-up,” said the Italian. “So technically, if you performed well in Sweden then Oschersleben should be good too. Hopefully, the weather conditions will be different though which will produce very different races to a few weeks ago!”Anderstorp race winner Norbert SiedlerAustrian Norbert Siedler is aiming for more IFM wins on the German track which serves as the home round for the 24-year-old. Having scored two wins in two consecutive race weekends, Siedler is catching the Series leaders rapidly. The ADM Motorsport racer is already seventh in the driver classification despite only joining IFM at the beginning of July.
“I’m not really thinking about the title for the moment,” said Siedler. “I’m focusing a lot more on each race weekend but if it keeps going like this then maybe I can start to think about it a little bit!
“I raced at Oschersleben in 2001 with Formula 3 but the first corner has changed since then. I think you need a good set-up for the slower corners where mechanical grip is very important. But it’s mainly about balance here because there are some quick chicanes where a softer set-up is better. You have to be able to ride the curbs there otherwise you will lose time.”
Eurosport’s coverage of IFM’s sixth race weekend will begin Saturday 25 August with race one shown live at 12.15 on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia-Pacific with delayed coverage on Eurosport from 00.30 (CET) onwards. Race two on Sunday will be broadcasted live from 10.15 (CET) on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia-Pacific.
Live streaming will be available on eurosport.com and formulamaster.net
