Preview: Aiello warns of Schneider attack

The Frenchman holds a 21 point cushion over his Mercedes rival, but says the new section of track after the start raises a few question marks ahead of this weekend's races.

"I have to be careful of Bernd Schneider, because with 52 points still at stake, a 21 point margin is by no means comfortable," said Aiello. "I am curious to find out how we will cope with the new part of the track. I hope we will do well, even though it is called Mercedes-Arena."

Schneider says that Friday's free practice sessions will be crucial as the cars have not run on the new layout before.

"Set-up will be a difficult affair," said Schneider. "Although it is narrow, and we are racing on the short circuit, you don't need so much downforce as, for instance, on the short circuit in Hockenheim. But you can't scrimp on downforce either, as you will lose all the time in the new part."

Opel is hoping the track changes can alter its fortunes in the German-based saloon series. One of its leading drivers, Manuel Reuter, is also wary about the new corners, however.

"The first part of the track now has become even slower and the second part down to the Veedol-S is very, very fast," said Reuter. "It will be decisive how well one can get his race car balanced and how quickly one can cope with the new part. It will not be easy."