A hands-on approach: BMW DTM driver Marco Wittmann helps set up the Norisring and shows off his climbing skills.

Nuremberg (DE), 26th June 2014. For Marco Wittmann (DE), his home DTM race at the Norisring (DE) is always a bit special. The BMW Team RMG driver lives in Fürth, just 20 kilometres from the street circuit around the Dutzendteich, and can look forward to the support of many friends and family when he lines up there as the DTM leader this weekend. 

Wittmann has always had a very close relationship with the Norisring. Even as a junior he enjoyed success at his local circuit. Furthermore, the 24-year-old is also a member of the Motorsport Club Nürnberg (MCN), which is responsible for running the Norisring. What better way of cementing this close relationship than by helping to set up the 2.3-kilometre circuit, which is erected on Nuremberg’s public streets? Under the watchful eye of Wolfgang Schlosser, chairman of the MCN, and his employees, Wittmann hopped behind the wheel of a forklift truck and manoeuvred a number of concrete crash barriers into place near the entrance to the pit lane. He then used a special machine to paint the white lines that mark the pit lane entrance, and assembled seats in one of the grandstands. 

“That is the first time I have ever driven a forklift,” said Wittmann. “After some brief instructions it actually worked very well and I was at least able to lend the many volunteers a hand with setting up my home track. These people really do a great job and ensure that we enjoy a very special race here year after year. It is exciting to see the circuit being put together, rather than just the finished product that we drivers are greeted by on the weekend.” 

Once his duties were completed in Nuremberg, Wittmann moved on to the “Fränkische Schweiz” region, where his action-packed day continued with a climbing expedition. In one of the best-known climbing areas in Germany, Wittmann tackled a steep face – with the help of professional instructors – and showed that his sporting talent goes beyond the cockpit of the Ice-Watch BMW M4 DTM. “I have been on a climbing wall a few times, but never a natural rock face,” said Wittmann. “That was a new and exciting experience for me. I was obviously determined to conquer the entire face, which I did in the end. I had a lot of fun and can well imagine I will give it another go some time.”

Wittmann can now look forward to his next adventure, at the wheel of the Ice-Watch BMW M4 DTM. Qualifying at the Norisring begins at 14:35 on Saturday. The fourth race of the season gets underway at 13:30 on Sunday.