Wildfires near the Nürburgring: Is the DTM race on Sunday at risk?

– Fog is almost a familiar sight at the Nürburgring, but dense smoke plumes are not: During the first DTM race on Saturday, the effects of the current forest fires in the Eifel were clearly noticeable. Especially in the second half of the race, it became increasingly hazy, and there was also the smell of smoke in the air.

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Already on Friday, a large forest fire broke out about 15 kilometers from the Nürburgring, whose smoke cloud was even visible from the racetrack. Thanks to the quick intervention of the fire brigade, the fire was brought under control. The smoke that drifted over the track on Saturday therefore came from the large forest fire in Hürtgenwald, about 60 kilometers as the crow flies from the Nürburgring.

Spectators were already informed before the race via loudspeaker announcement that the smoke could drift towards the racetrack, but that there was no danger. The DTM officials are in contact with medical specialists to clarify whether the smoke could have health effects.

DTM drivers feel no effects from the forest fires

And how did the DTM drivers fare in the race on Saturday? “Generally, when driving, you are pretty focused,” says Manthey driver Thomas Preining, who was not bothered by the smoke. “I saw it a few times, but the focus is there. I have no dizziness or anything like that in the car, so I can’t complain about anything like that, but of course we are aware of the situation.”

“You could definitely notice it on the track,” says teammate Ricardo Feller. “It’s not a nice thing, but luckily nothing worse now and I hope it calms down again at some point. You can smell it, but while driving it’s okay.”

“I mean, when we drive one behind the other, we inhale so many gasoline fumes into our lungs, that’s even worse,” the Swiss driver said, keeping his humor despite the current situation. “So in that respect, unfortunately, we are a bit used to it.”

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“Of course, what is happening right now is not good,” adds Preining. “We in the team have many people who live nearby, so we hope everything goes well and the families and houses of everyone are safe.” Although the situation in the Düren district is now largely under control, the situation can change at any time.

DTM Sunday at the Nürburgring currently not at risk

Even in the immediate vicinity of the Nürburgring, the danger of forest fires has not yet passed. Given the ongoing dryness, new fire outbreaks can occur at any time. The DTM officials are therefore regularly in contact with the authorities in case there are further fires in the region.

Then all available emergency forces would have to be deployed – including the fire brigade, which is responsible for safety at the track during the DTM event. According to information from Motorsport-Total.com, however, this would not necessarily result in a race cancellation. In this case, the E-Unit vehicles, which are equipped for minor firefighting operations at the racetrack, could ensure fire protection.

Nevertheless, the topic of forest fires remains omnipresent. “It is really terrible to see what is happening right now, especially near my area in Italy,” says Matteo Cairoli, who triumphed on Saturday. “In Como, we have the same problem, so unfortunately we have to try to be as safe as possible. But when you are driving flat out during a race, your focus is elsewhere.”

The rest of the DTM weekend at the Nürburgring (here in the livestream!) is therefore currently not at risk, especially since there is a low chance of rain on Sunday. Although the critical situation in the Eifel would not be immediately alleviated by this, at least the hoped-for rain could provide some relief.

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