Timo Glock: "The DTM is very special to me"

• Former Formula 1 driver on his return to the DTM
• In an interview, Glock discusses his favourite opponents and highlights on the calendar

Munich. Timo Glock is back in the DTM. After an absence of three years, the former Formula 1 driver will make his DTM comeback in a McLaren 720S GT3 Evo this year, starting with the season-opener from 25th to 27th April. In an interview, Glock discusses the goals that he and the Dörr Motorsport team will be pursuing.

How excited are you about your DTM comeback?
I am really looking forward to it! The reactions when I announced my return were extremely positive, which made a real impression on me. Starting the new season with the Dörr Group and a famous brand like McLaren is an exciting project. We obviously have a lot of work ahead of us, but that is what makes the challenge so exciting. I can hardly wait to finally get started!

What do your preparations look like ahead of the season-opener in Oschersleben?
Fitness work over the winter obviously plays an important role. However, the intense test work we have ahead of us is just as crucial. We plan to attend more tests in Spain or Portugal, in order to systematically work on specific issues. After my first day in the car, we already know where we need to improve, and that is what we will be concentrating on. We have an intensive programme before us, in order to be perfectly prepared in the end.

The DTM field is taking shape, who would you like to see racing against you?
There are many excellent drivers in the DTM, including experienced specialists, who will be tough opponents. Whether Marco Wittmann, Lucas Auer or Maro Engel – they are all among the big favourites. Wittmann is definitely one of the drivers I am most looking forward to racing against, even though we will be in different cars this time. Back in the Class 1 days at BMW, we were team-mates. However, it will be intriguing to go head to head now. Generally speaking, it is just nice to see familiar faces again!

The DTM season kicks off at the end of April. Which circuits are the highlights?
Every circuit has its own appeal, but there are some that stand out for me. Hockenheim is definitely a highlight - it is one of my favourite tracks and feels like a home circuit. I love the Red Bull Ring, with it’s awesome layout and the surrounding alpine scenery. It goes without saying that the Norisring, as a street circuit, is always a real highlight of the season. The event at the Sachsenring is also exciting, as it is a long time since I drove there. My last race there was probably in Formula 3. That will definitely be very interesting!

What makes the McLaren 720S GT3 Evo special? What are the car's strengths?
The car's agility and centre of gravity are different to what I am used to, but that is what makes it exciting. The McLaren definitely has its strengths, as we saw last year in Zandvoort. The car was right up there when it came to high-speed corners. Mechanically, there are still some areas we need to work on, but as a whole the 720S GT3 Evo offers an outstanding basis. That has been apparent in other championships, in which the McLaren was competitive. Our goal is to fine-tune the set-up over the winter, in order to be ideally prepared for different track characteristics in different conditions. If we manage that, I am confident that the performance will be there.

What are your goals for the DTM comeback?
The next step is to make progress together with the team. Our main goal is to get the team to a point, where we can consistently finish in the top ten. That is what we are focussing on, and we are working meticulously to achieve it.