19.9.2003
Fighting for points in the dunes

Part two of the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) final sprint: At Zandvoort, not far from Amsterdam, the touring car drivers will be tackling the ninth and penultimate round of the season.

Year after year, the former Grand Prix circuit situated amidst dunes fascinates drivers and spectators alike with its unique characteristics that virtually provoke thrilling races. Hence it comes as no surprise that more than 32,000 tickets have been sold in advance. The race at the tough, undulating circuit will feature 36 laps (154.8 km).

Home match for Jeroen Bleekemolen: For Opel's junior driver Jeroen Bleekemolen the DTM race at Zandvoort marks the highlight of the year. 21-year-old Jeroen, who has lately been showing constant improvement in the 470-hp Astra, practically grew up near this track where he has done countless laps, starting at the tender age of eight. Jeroen, who comes from a Dutch family of racing drivers, will not be the only one of his kin starting from the Zandvoort grid this weekend.

A year ago, Manuel Reuter and Timo Scheider finished Zandvoort in fourth and fifth place respectively. Most recently, at the A1 Ring, Opel had to settle for a seventh-place finish by Alain Menu. The two best-placed Astras, driven by Peter Dumbreck and Timo Scheider, fell victim to a crash in the first lap and had to retire early.

Opel motorsport director Volker Strycek comments on the Zandvoort race: "For the race at Zandvoort more than 32,000 tickets have been sold in advance, which means we can again count on having a fantastic audience. Spectator response at the A1 Ring was extremely impressive as well, as was the great atmosphere in the grandstands and in the paddock. After eight races, we've been averaging well over 58,000 spectators. Zandvoort and Hockenheim are both guaranteed to be exciting races, owing to the championship being decided then, and everyone determined to give their level best once more before the winter break. This is true for Opel, too. We know the capabilities of our drivers and our Astra V8 Coupé: We definitely want to get back on the podium."