DTM R6 – Brands Hatch

[tbtstt]

So I said I wouldn’t be giving Brands any more of my money after seeing what they had done to the GP loop earlier in the year, but I couldn’t resist the lure of the DTM cars.

Took some photos from the few sections of track that aren’t blocked by high fencing now:



I remember the DTM cars being quick, but I forgot just how fast. The Blancpain GT3 cars were posting lap times in the region of 1:23 earlier in the year, the DTM cars cracked 1:17!





Jamie Green led the race for some time, but a slow pit stop coupled with a penalty dropped him right down the field. Shame, as there was potential for three British drivers on the podium.









Championship leader Gary Paffett qualified on pole and went on to finish second. He now has a 29 point Championship lead with four rounds to go, so it looks likely he will take the title in Mercedes final season in DTM.









The all black BMW of Bruno Spengler was my favourite looking car on the track, though Spengler spent most of the race at the back of the field.















The DTM cars were loud wherever you stood, but it was verging on painful if you got side on to them!







Overall victory went to Paul di Resta. After taking an early pit stop, Di Resta climbed up the order as everyone else headed to the pits, making it a British 1-2.



I am still cursing Brands for what they have done with the fencing but, that aside, the DTM cars were exactly as I remember: very fast and stupidly loud!

Few more picture here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/229616...57700065208344

If anyone is interested!

[Streaky Bacon]

Excellent shots, thanks for sharing. If I go to an event, camera in hand I feel I miss a lot of the day watching through such a tiny view finder !!

[Rdlangy1]

amazing pics as always buddy

[Frenchie]

Thanks for posting some amazing pictures.

[bigemp]

Awesome pics as usual and they did sound bloody good

[Steve_PPP]

Awesome stuff mate, not seen the DTM so should have come along really. Great photos

So Merc are pulling out? I've not been following the championship...

[Bolesroor]

Really wanted to go to this so thanks for the comments and photos showing what I missed Cracking photos as always

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by Streaky Bacon

Excellent shots, thanks for sharing. If I go to an event, camera in hand I feel I miss a lot of the day watching through such a tiny view finder !!

I always try and make sure I put the camera down often enough to keep track of the racing: it loses it's enjoyment when you haven't got a clue what's going on!

Originally Posted by Rdlangy1

amazing pics as always buddy

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Thanks for posting some amazing pictures.

Cheers!

Originally Posted by bigemp

Awesome pics as usual and they did sound bloody good

I remembered them being loud, but I forgot just how loud! We were on the outside of Surtees for the morning practice and the sound there was ridiculous: my ears were ringing well after the session finished!

Originally Posted by Steve_PPP

Awesome stuff mate, not seen the DTM so should have come along really. Great photos

So Merc are pulling out? I've not been following the championship...

The cars are pretty awesome. The racing is very clean compared to Touring Cars and even Blancpain, but the limited DRS and extended pit window makes for some pretty interesting strategy.

I must confess I wasn't aware they were pulling out until the announced it at the circuit. It was quite surprising to hear given how strong the Mercedes looked on track.

Originally Posted by Bolesroor

Really wanted to go to this so thanks for the comments and photos showing what I missed Cracking photos as always

The DTM cars definitely made it worth the trip. It's a very well turned out Championship and there were a couple of massive manufacturer marquees.

My only complaint of the day (other than all the fencing!) was that the support races were very limited, especially when compared to the Blancpain round earlier this year (and considering how much more expensive the tickets were).