Joel Eriksson looking forward to Budapest return
One year ago, he was stood on top of the podium – wearing a student cap. Upon his return to Budapest’s Hungaroring this weekend, Joel Eriksson arrives in different fashion; having since graduated to works driver status with one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the DTM.
Round three of the German-based touring car series takes the field to Hungary’s capital city, where Eriksson celebrated a special FIA Formula 3 European Championship victory last year. Forced to skip his concurrent graduation day in Sweden to instead focus on his racing, Eriksson treaded the top step of the podium symbolically wearing a traditional-styled student cap, making the occasion a particularly lasting memory.
Ahead of his first DTM outing at Hungaroring, known for its tight and twisty nature, the swift BMW rookie is determined to build on his F3 success at the venue and once again make the limelight – now in even stiffer competition.
“Budapest is one of the events I’ve been looking forward to the most this season,” says Joel Eriksson. “I love the city and the track, and I had some important results there during my two years in Formula 3. I won there from pole last year, also setting the fastest lap, so it is definitely a place I enjoy. Hopefully I will say the same after my first visit in the DTM. We’ve had a solid start to the season and I’m really eager to get out there and push as hard as I can this weekend.”
Following the first two rounds and four races of the year, Eriksson sits 11th overall in the DTM standings. One of three newcomers in the championship this season, Eriksson has scored points in each of the opening two meetings at Hockenheim and Lausitzring.
Currently heading the standings is Eriksson’s BMW stablemate Timo Glock (GER).
As per usual, two races are scheduled in for this weekend, with both set to get underway at 13.30 local time (on Saturday and Sunday respectively).
TIME TABLE
All times local (GMT+02:00)
DTM | Round 3
Hungaroring (Hungary)
Friday 1 June
Free Practice 1: 16.05-16.35
Saturday 2 June
Free Practice 2: 08.35-09.05
Qualifying 1: 11.20-11.40
Race 1: 13.30-14.30
Sunday 3 June
Free Practice 3: 08.30-09.00
Qualifying 2: 11.20-11.40
Race 2: 13.30-14.30
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (top five)
DTM | After 4/20 races
1: Timo Glock (GER), BMW, 72 p.
2: Gary Paffett (GBR), Mercedes, 71 p.
3: Pascal Wehrlein (GER), Mercedes, 39 p.
4: Edoardo Mortara (ITA), Mercedes, 37 p.
5: Lucas Auer (AUT), Mercedes, 33 p.
—
11: Joel Eriksson (SWE), BMW, 15 p.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Entry list: DTM 2018
Rules: how the championship works
FOLLOW JOEL (IF YOU CAN…)
Website: www.joelerikssonracing.com
Facebook: JoelErikssonRacing
Instagram: JoelEriksson
Live streaming: www.dtm.com/live