The season opener of the 1993 DTM at the Belgian circuit in Zolder was set to write motorsport history. Alfa Romeo competed for the first time with the new 155 V6 TI in the German Touring Car Championship – and caused a sensation right at their debut.
Nicola Larini won both races on the rain-soaked Circuit Zolder, immediately leading the new Alfa Romeo to its first major success. The technically complex racing car in particular differed significantly from its production namesake and the established competition.
Under the body worked a 2.5-liter V6 with four valves per cylinder, which around 420 hp at 11,800 rpm achieved. Among other things, the extremely high-revving engine featured Titanium valves and dry sump lubrication. His power was over a six-speed transmission and permanent all-wheel drive brought to the track – a decisive advantage, especially under the difficult conditions at Zolder.
Thanks to consistent lightweight design and the extensive use of carbon fiber, the 155 V6 TI weighed only about 1.040 kilograms onto the scales. The top speed was, depending on the gear ratio, up to approximately 300 km/h.
The double victory at Zolder was only the beginning: in 1993, Nicola Larini won ten of the twenty races with the spectacular Alfa Romeo and comfortably secured the DTM title. Alfa Romeo had delivered an impressive debut to the German competition with its first factory entry in the DTM.