Gary Paffett will not be able to start at the third DTM weekend in Zolder as planned. The two-time DTM champion lives in Great Britain and thus in a “red” classified Corona risk country and cannot enter Belgium without a ten-day quarantine. For various reasons, however, this is not possible for Gary Paffett. The Mercedes-AMG Team Mücke Motorsport has asked the Belgian embassy for a special permit. However, there was no positive decision within the time limit necessary for the operational planning.
Originally, it was planned that Gary Paffett would take over the Space Drive cockpit of Mercedes-AMG Team Mücke Motorsport from the third race in Zolder, Belgium. Due to commitments within the Mercedes team’s Formula E and overlaps with the DTM race weekends, an earlier start by Paffett was not possible. Now Maximilian Buhk, who has already scored points for the team at the first two race weekends, will make another appearance. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is one of three technology cars equipped with the Space Drive steer-by-wire system in the DTM. The innovative steering system does not require a mechanical connection between the steering unit and the steering gear and originated in the field of mobility for the disabled. It now represents a key technology for autonomous driving.
Peter Mücke, Team Principal Mercedes-AMG Team Mücke Motorsport: “The pandemic continues to present us with challenges and demands our flexibility. We regret that Gary Paffett will not be able to compete in Zolder as planned. The expectations of the fans are high to finally be able to see the DTM Champion live again. Thanks to Maxi Buhk that he will start again for our team in Zolder. The effort is very insightful for the Space Drive development, we see continuous progress in the development.”
Gary Paffett, two-time DTM Champion: “I’m disappointed to not be racing with the Mücke Motorsport team in Zolder. It’s unfortunate with the travel restrictions but the team have enjoyed a good start to the season and I’m certain that Maxi will continue that at Zolder – I wish him and the team the very best of luck.”
In less than a week’s time, the third DTM round will be held in Zolder, Belgium, with one race each on Saturday and Sunday. The race weekend starts on Friday, August 6, at 12:10 p.m. with the 45-minute free practice session, the second free practice starts at 3:10 p.m.. On Saturday, August 7, qualifying will be held at 10:40 a.m. for the first grid position. The race traditionally starts at 1:30 p.m. On Sunday, qualifying begins at 10:10 a.m. for the second race of the weekend, which also starts at 1:30 p.m. SAT.1 will broadcast the races live on both days from 13:00. All practice runs and races can also be seen in the livestream under DTM Grid. The other DTM dates: August 20-22 Nürburgring, September 3-5 Red Bull Ring (AT), September 17-19 Assen (NL), October 1-3 Hockenheimring and October 8-10 at the Norisring.
Source. Mücke Motorsport/Photo. Gruppe C
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