A Decade Ago at Hockenheim: Reflecting on My First DTM Experience.
Almost twelve years ago, I embarked on a journey to Hockenheim that would leave an indelible mark on my memories as a motorsport enthusiast. It was October 2013, and my first visit to the iconic Hockenheimring coincided with the season finale of the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) championship. Looking back now, the experience was a perfect blend of excitement, unpredictability, and the sheer joy of being immersed in the world of motorsport.
Hockenheimring, nestled in a quaint town where the tallest structures are the track’s facilities, buzzed with energy. I had set up base in the nearby city of Mannheim, commuting by train to the track, saving every cent I could. Even from the Hockenheim train station, 2.5 kilometers away, the roar of engines reached my ears—a visceral reminder of the action awaiting me. By the time I arrived at the circuit, the DTM practice session was wrapping up, but I wasn’t concerned. I knew there was still much to look forward to, including the crucial qualifying rounds later in the day. After picking up my credentials as an accredited photographer, I began my exploration of the track, with the FIA F3 race in full swing.
The weather that weekend was a study in contrasts. Saturday was uncharacteristically hot and sunny for October, while Sunday brought heavy rains as predicted, offering a chance to capture the track in both dry and wet conditions. Throughout the day, I circled the track, photographing everything from the FIA F3 and Carrera Cup to the Volkswagen Scirocco Cup, where even Felix Baumgartner, fresh off his record-breaking Red Bull Stratos jump, took part. The track’s width struck me during the Scirocco session.
Saturday culminated in the DTM qualifying session, with BMW dominating the final showdown. Bruno Spengler secured pole position, setting the stage for a dramatic Sunday. The next day dawned with torrential rain, making the morning’s Formula 3 race a slippery affair. Yet, as the start of the DTM race neared, the skies began to clear, just as the weather crew had predicted. The excitement was palpable as the cars lined up on the grid. Timo Glock, who would go on to win his first DTM race that day, and Mattias Ekström, who would finish as the top Audi driver in fourth, were among the many stories unfolding on track.
The race itself was a thrilling spectacle. Spengler had a strong start, while Augusto Farfus spun on the first lap, a testament to the tricky conditions. The rain-soaked track made for stunning visuals, with long water tails trailing the cars as they sped through the circuit. This race also marked the end of an era for the BMW M3 DTM car, which, in just two years, had achieved remarkable success, including a championship title for Spengler and two manufacturer titles for BMW. As the race concluded, my only regret was missing the fireworks at the finish line—I was capturing moments on the opposite side of the track.
A decade later, the memories of that weekend at Hockenheimring remain vivid. It was more than just a race; it was an experience that deepened my love for motorsport and taught me the art of capturing the fleeting moments of speed, skill, and drama that define racing. The lessons I learned and the memories I made at Hockenheim in 2013 continue to inspire me, and every year when the DTM season comes to a close, I find myself reminiscing about that incredible first visit to one of the world’s most storied racetracks.