Robert Wickens “feeling upbeat” on Hungaroring challenge

With the business end of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season fast approaching, Mercedes’ Robert Wickens is looking forward to the challenge that awaits all 24 drivers at the Hungaroring this weekend, during the penultimate round of the season.

This is even though recent events have not helped him in the hunt for the drivers’ title, including a torrid race weekend at the Nürburgring two weeks ago, where he only secured ninth place in the sprint race.

“With regard to the championship, Budapest is an all-or-nothing weekend for us,” explained the Guelph native, who is one of four drivers that are still in contention for the title.

This is alongside current points leader Marco Wittmann, with Audi Sport’s Jamie Green and Edoardo Mortara being in a similar position to last year.

“The Hungaroring has been resurfaced for this season, so that’s going to be a new challenge for everyone,” said Wickens, who is currently third in the standings, 50 points behind Wittmann,

He has has taken two race wins at Moscow Raceway and Circuit Park Zandvoort, and said that smooth tarmac appears to suit the characteristics of the new C63 AMG Coupé.

“So far this year, we’ve been highly competitive on tracks with a very smooth surface, for example recently in Moscow. At Spielberg, where there was also new tarmac, we made some mistakes, but ultimately we were quick and we even set the fastest lap.

“So there are some encouraging signs that we can take to Budapest. Anyway, I’m all fired up for the weekend, and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got to score as many points as possible.”