October 14, 2024
Spectacular DTM showdown in Hockenheim
Lucas Auer and the Mercedes-AMG Team MANN-FILTER are feeling positive about the DTM finale: “We want one more triumph to finish off the season.”
Ludwigsburg, October 14, 2024. The last racing weekend of the season and a dramatic three-way battle for the title: Packed stands, an electric atmosphere in the legendary Motodrom, 20 of the best GT racing drivers in the world in spectacular GT3 sports cars from seven different brands, and a varied race track that has always guaranteed thrilling motorsport. The DTM season finale next weekend at the Hockenheimring in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, will make any racing fan's heart beat faster. And the MANN-FILTER Mamba is back in the thick of it.
MANN-FILTER Mamba
Lucas Auer, driving the 550-hp Mercedes-AMG GT3 with race number 22, may have no chance of winning the title, but the 30-year-old Austrian is keen to use the finale to give spectators another taste of his superb skills after a season that brought both highs and lows—all the more so because Maro Engel, his teammate from Mercedes-AMG Team WINWARD, still has the chance to snag the crown. And the best way “Luggi” can help would be by snatching important points from Engels' competitors for the title during the two one-hour races. The Mercedes-AMG Team MANN-FILTER Mamba could certainly be the car to tip the scales.
But regardless of the current standings, Auer, who is currently ranked 12th overall and well below his true potential, is heading to the hallowed race track on the outskirts of Heidelberg and is raring to go. “I'm hugely excited for the Hockenheim season finale”, enthuses the 2022 DTM runner-up. "The races on this famous track are always very special, with lots of spectators and a great atmosphere. And after rather sticky track record so far this year, our main goal is to grab one more triumph to finish off the season."
Like many other racing drivers, the Tyrolean is a great fan of the 4.5-kilometer Grand Prix circuit. "I have won DTM titles in Hockenheim in the past and love driving on this track. My favorite stretches are the fast section at the entrance to the Motodrom, the following Sachskurve hairpin and the last two turns before the home straight. Our Mercedes-AMG GT3 should eat them up. The Hockenheimring is just a really cool race track overall. There are several stretches where it's easy to overtake—and nobody needs telling twice."
Filippina Manou, MANN-FILTER sponsorship manager, is also looking forward to the DTM finale: "Hockenheim is practically on our and Winward Racing's doorstep. In recent DTM years, Luggi and the team have proven that they can deliver the highest standards of driving. We don't like to use the word "luck", but this year has seen quite a few events that had us rubbing our eyes in disbelief. Even if we have had a bit of a bumpy ride in the DTM races so far, we hope the final race will be fair, fast, and fantastic. We are expecting record numbers of fans once again and look forward to seeing our customers at the track cheering us on."
As always, the morning qualifying sessions are vital because the DTM starting field is a close one and most drivers' times are less than one second apart. Those starting at the back in the two races, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, will struggle to get ahead of the competition, who are usually just as fast. There's not much chance of them overtaking unless inserting a strategic, metaphorical elbow.
You can cheer on Luggi Auer and his Mamba at the track without breaking the bank. Friday ticket prices start from only 15 euros. Day tickets for Saturday or Sunday start at 39 euros if booked in advance, and also include a paddock pass. Entry is free for children and teens under the age of 16. Tickets are available on the website www.dtm.com and at the venue. And for those opting to stay at home, ProSieben, JOYN and ran.de will broadcast all of the DTM action live and in full.
As usual, MANN-FILTER will be reporting on events on and off the track on its social media channels, giving fans exclusive behind-the-scenes insights.
