Hockenheim: Müller needs support

A prediction is possible, but actually pointless - because there is certainly no shortage of surprising twists and turns in the 2020 DTM season. And so TV viewers - none are allowed on site - can look forward to outstanding final races, spectacular duels and thrilling action.

Two who have nothing to lose
For the two teammates from Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline, Nico Müller and Robin Frijns, one of the eternal motorsport maxims applies: "If in doubt - flat out. Their starting position is simple: Both have to make up points on championship leader René Rast in a big way in order to turn the tide on the home stretch of the season.

The Bernese is 19 points behind, the Dutchman 41. Twice 25 points per win are still up for grabs, plus three more pole positions each, two for grid position 2 and one for P3 in qualifying.

Qualifying is the key
Neither of the two candidates can make up enough points on their own - only 16 are possible against the theoretical runner-up in each of the two Hockenheim races.

As a duo, however, the tide could certainly be turned under their own steam - for example, if the "abbots" each secured the top two positions in qualifying and the race, with Nico Müller taking the top spot on each occasion. Müller ahead of Frijns - this constellation has happened twice this year, but never with the Swiss on pole.

Calculated risk from René Rast
Conversely, this also means that René Rast has the successful defense of his title in his own hands. All he has to do is finish at least second in both qualifying sessions and races - and then the big trophy would be in his grasp, regardless of how his rivals perform.

At the same time are forbidden in any case: Mistakes, setbacks, failures. Because only Rast has something to lose. That the worst would happen, however, seemed unlikely recently. With four irresistible races over the two weekends at Zolder, he turned a 47-point deficit into a 19-point lead. You can find the current championship standings here.

Accordingly, Rast is entering the race with increased self-confidence. If he were to win the title, it would be his third in the DTM. Rast would then be on a par with legend Klaus Ludwig. Only Bernd Schneider, with five title wins, can point to more.

Strategic scope
Two influences give the drivers and engineers enormous strategic leeway in their combination options at Hockenheim. With the cooler temperatures, the Hankook standard tires degrade less during the races.

The mandatory pit stop could thus become a creative means of making up ground in the race and surprising the competition. For example, with radical strategies that lead to an overcut or undercut, i.e., with a particularly delayed or extremely early stop to avoid the heavy traffic - depending on the driver's position. If necessary, Nico Müller will undoubtedly try this.

74 percent full throttle
Another aspect of strategic freedom lies in the type of racetrack at the Baden Motodrom. It basically allows two different approaches to vehicle setups. Either you go for high top speed by using less or for high cornering speeds by using significantly more aerodynamic downforce.

The level asphalt and flat curbs of the Hockenheimring also allow low ground clearances for the vehicles. The experts expect a full-throttle percentage of around 74 percent. The concerted use of the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and PTP (Push-to-pass) overrun and catch-up aids is estimated to deliver an advantage of around seven tenths of a second per lap in the race.

SRF2 live at it
Both races can be seen live on SAT.1 from 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, November 7/8, or on Swiss TV SEF2 from 1:15 p.m. with commentary by Formula 1 reporters Michael Stäuble and Marc Surer.

dtm.com