After what has felt like an overly long three-week break, this weekend the DTM heads to the Norisring for the fifth round of the 10-race 2013 season.

Located in Bavaria on the former Nazi party rally grounds, the short 2.3 kilometer Nuremberg street circuit is a firm favourite amongst drivers and fans alike.

The short, tight nature of the circuit with its abrasive surface, generally provides for a spectacular and unpredictable race, which more likely than not, will be decided on the final lap.

In addition to the specific nature of the DTM’s only street circuit, expect the German summer to heavily influence Sunday’s outcome. In 2012, qualifying took place in 30-degree heat on Saturday, but come race-day, the 83 laps were affected by rain, and started and ended under heavy black clouds.

Furthermore, when the race stays dry, the heat can cause the track’s concrete surface to break up, as well as causing the drivers to lose concentration.

This was none more evident in in 2005, when 11 of the 20 drivers failed to finish, and Christian Abt finished a shock second in a 2004 spec Audi A4 behind Gary Paffett’s Mercedes.

Furthermore, for Audi and BMW, the circuit is something of a home race as both companies find their headquarters in Bavaria, and most of the teams are located in the German Free State.

However, despite Martin Tomczyk coming within 0.6 seconds of taking a remarkable home-victory in BMW’s 2012 comeback season, winning their home race is something that has eluded the DTM’a Bavarians, as Audi has not managed to do it since 2002, when Laurent Aiello won the race behind the wheel of an Abt prepared TT-R.

So whilst Audi has arguably the strongest driver line up, and BMW has the strongest car, why has neither manufacturer managed to score a win since 2003?

Easy answer; BMW returned in 2012, and the circuit simply appears to favour Mercedes.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Mercedes, a Stuttgart based manufacturer, who this weekend will celebrate 25 years in the DTM, has dominated its rivals around their home circuit, and it is undeniable that there is something in the Mercedes package that suits the Norisring.

Gary Paffett took double victories behind the wheel of a C-Class in 2004, and DTM champion, Bruno Spengler, did the same in 2006 and 2007.

However, Jamie Green, who switched to Audi’s Abt Sportsline team over the winter from HWA Mercedes, has taken victory every year since 2008.

So, does Green’s move to Audi mean that the Ingolstadt manufacturer can finally break its 12 year duck?

Not necessarily.

The Leicester man appears to still be settling in to life at Audi, and only last time out at the Lausitzring, did he manage to score his first points of 2013.

Subsequently, he is keeping a lid on expectations ahead of the race with which he admits he has “a special relationship.”

“The characteristics of the Norisring can’t be compared with any other race track,” said Green. “That’s why it’s difficult to make a prediction about the relative strengths.”

“Naturally, I’ve got a special relationship with this race, but even though I’ve won there four times that’s no guarantee for anything – especially not in the DTM.”

Then there is the matter of Green’s team-mate Mattias Ekstrom, who recently told TouringCarTimes that he “would give a championship for a win at the Norisring”.

Given his difficult start to the season, the Swedish double DTM champion will undoubtedly be a victory contender.

Mike Rockenfeller, who after consistently performing over the first tour races, leads the drivers’ standings for Audi, will be seeking to consolidate his position there ahead of BMW’s Bruno Spengler, with whom he is tied on points.

So, can Audi win its home race?

Undoubtedly.

But then they have to being quicker than fellow Bavarians BMW, who, according to Martin Tomczyk, have “extra motivation” to rectify last year’s marginal defeat, and Mercedes, which holds an exemplary track record around the Norisring.

Will it be tough to beat Mercedes? Yes. Will it be worth watching? What do you think?

Norisring facts:

Track length: 2.3 kilometers

Laps: 82

Lap Record: Bruno Spengler, Mercedes, 48,446 seconds (2008)

Weather: German summer (unpredictable)

Previous winners:

2001: Uwe Alzen (Mercedes-Benz)

2002: Laurent Aiello (Abt-Audi)

2003: Christijan Albers (Mercedes-Benz)

2004: Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)

2005: Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)

2006: Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)

2007: Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)

2008: Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)

2009: Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)

2010: Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)

2011: Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz)

2012: Jamie Green  (Mercedes-Benz)

Schedule: TBC