Nicki Thiim and the Norisring: "Adrenalin kick in the cockpit"

• Lamborghini driver claimed his maiden DTM victory at the street circuit last year
• Home outing for the Abt Sportsline team set to be a motorsport festival for the Dane

Munich. The streets of Nuremberg form the stage for the DTM on the first weekend in July: the Norisring is the venue for round four of the season and enjoys cult status among drivers and fans alike. In the past, Germany's only street circuit has repeatedly produced remarkable moments. Nicki Thiim (DK) has particularly fond memories of one such moment. "Last year, I won my first DTM race at the Norisring. This circuit will always have a special place in my heart," says the Lamborghini driver.

The Dane made history with that success, becoming the first son to follow his father into the winner's list in the prestigious racing series. Father Kurt won 20 races over the course of his DTM career, including two at the Norisring. Son Nicki now has the opportunity to at least draw level with his dad in the "Franconian Monaco". His form is on the up - Thiim finished runner-up in the Saturday race in Zandvoort, claiming the first podium in the new Lamborghini era at Abt Sportsline.

The 36-year-old is well aware of the challenges that await on the short 2.16-kilometre street circuit in the heart of Nuremberg. "On paper, the track looks easy with just four corners. However, every mistake is severely punished. You have to judge the risks correctly, as the walls and crash barriers are very close at the Norisring. That means you have to be accurate right down to the millimetre, and gives you an adrenalin kick in the cockpit," Thiim explains.

Another factor adding to the stress is the track surface. "Everyday traffic travels on the circuit all year round. As a result, the asphalt is very uneven and bumpy. When you are then racing across it at over 250 km/h in a DTM car, you sometimes have to take different lines to find more grip. That is another thing that makes it so appealing.” Thiim is optimistic ahead of races seven and eight of the season: "As well as the DTM fans, we are expecting many friends, acquaintances and supporters at the home event for the Abt family at the Norisring. They are all in for a festival of motorsport.”