SUMMER IN THE STREETS FOR PAFFETT

The DTM heads into the fourth round of the 2018 season and it’s off to Nuremberg for the single street circuit on the calendar, the Norisring, and since 2000, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport have won 15 races in Nuremberg, with Gary claiming victory twice.

Looking to extend his strong form in the DTM that has guided him to second in the Driver’s Championship, Gary heads to the Norisring looking to add to his tally of two wins, three podiums and one pole at the Nuremberg street circuit.

Last year’s visit to the track ended in drama for Gary. After finishing the first race of the weekend inside the points, Gary was then involved in a horrific accident with Mike Rockenfeller as Gary lost control of his Mercedes, clattering the wall and then being slingshotted into the side of Rockenfeller. Fortunately, both drivers escaped the scary accident without serious injuries and were available to race at the next round.

This weekend, Gary is looking to put the disappointment of the Hungaroring behind him - where the Mercedes ‘Team Captain’ could only manage a sixth-place finish in the first race of the weekend before a gamble on strategy in race two saw him fail to make the points for the first time in 2018.

"The outcome of the last race in Budapest was obviously very disappointing, but we have now put that stroke of bad luck behind us. The start of the season went very well, and the car was again very fast on the Hungaroring. Consequently, I feel we have every reason to be positive about the weekend.”

With new rules on aerodynamics for 2018 reshuffling the pack, Gary believes no team heads there as a favourite and all is to play for in the fourth round of the season.

“I think the teams will be more of a match for each other at the Norisring, as it's a track that doesn't suit anyone in particular. That's why it's all about getting the most out of the car and the setup. Of course, it would be great to win there again. But quite honestly, I think everyone will have the same chance of winning, so we have to try and score as many points as possible. All the same, I will obviously be going all out to get back on the podium and - in the best case scenario - to win."

Action at the Norisring commences on Friday with free practice at 15:30 (BST), with Saturday and Sunday’s races both getting underway at 12:30.