Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Robin Frijns believes DTM returning to Zolder this weekend for the second round of the season will be a “special experience”.
The Dutchman has a long standing relationship with the circuit, citing it as the location that sparked his passion for motorsport when he visited aged six.
Frijns, who is currently second in the DTM standings, lives only 40km away in Lanaken and is hoping his knowledge of the circuit will boost his performance.
“I know this track very well and have contested many races there,” explained the 27-year-old, “most recently in the GT3 category with the Audi R8 LMS.”
The Audi driver described the Zolder circuit as a “mini-Nordschleife,” unforgiving in its layout which has changed only slightly since its creation in 1963, most notably at the first turn.
“The circuit is tricky, and also the weather is unpredictable in Belgium,” detailed Frijns.
The DTM last visited the circuit in 2002, when Audi driver Laurent Aïello won both races in a weekend affected by severe rainfall; Frijns was less than ten years old at the time.
“Just a small mistake and you’ll end up in the wall,” reports Frijns, as such, the Zolder circuit may not lend itself to overtaking with only two major passing hot-spots.
“The best opportunities for overtaking exist heading into the first corner or the chicane before the start-finish line.”
Frijns will be hoping for a positive weekend at his home round, the Dutchman is only three points behind championship leader BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann.