Robert Wickens soars to his first win of the season in the second DTM race at the Nürburgring. The Canadian leads a new 1-2 for Mercedes with Paul di Resta in second position. Wittmann completes the podium.
Marco Wittman (BMW) started on pole, but lost the lead to Paul di Resta (Mercedes) in the first corner. The later one managed a gap straight away from the German, who was under pressure from Lucas Auer (Mercedes).
Auer, however, suffered a spin in the sixth lap of the race, which left him without points. René Rast (Audi), another title contender, was left without options to score as had a very slow pit stop. Back at the front, it seemed that di Resta lost rhythm and got passed by Wittmann on lap 15 for the lead. Both drivers would box two laps later, leaving the leadership to Bruno Spengler (BMW).
At the pit stop, di Resta had some problems and lost many positions. However, the Scott would outstrip Gary Paffett (Mercedes), Augusto Farfus (BMW), Timo Glock (BMW) and Tom Blomqvist to move to third position after Spengler’s pit stop of.
Wickens was the one leading the race once all pit stops were completed. The Canadian had a safe distance with Wittmann who would be passed by di Resta a few laps later. The Brit almost takes victory when crossing the line just behind Wickens. Spengler who had better tyres than Wittmann, stayed behind two-time champion to collaborate on team orders.
Also good job for Maro Engel (Mercedes), who quietly managed a fifth place, ahead of the Audi’s Mattias Ekström and Jamie Green, who have gone gained positions thanks to an aggressive strategy. Timo Glock was eighth despite damaged car, due to an impact with Nico Müller (Audi). Farfus and Blomqvist take the last positions in the points.
With the success of Wickens and di Resta this weekend, the two Mercedes drivers are back in the fight for the Championship. Ekström is who keeps the lead with 9 points on Auer. Rast is third with 12 points less, followed by Wittmann back 21 points and Green 23 points. Still with options: Rockenfeller, Martin, Wickens, Glock and Di Resta, 26, 28, 34, 36 and 39 points behind the leader.
Results:
1 Wickens 2 di Resta 3 Wittmann 4 Spengler 5 Engel 6 Ekström 7 Green 8 Glock 9 Farfus 10 Blomqvist 11 Martin 12 Rast 13 Auer 14 Paffett 15 Duval 16 Mortara 17 Rockenfeller 18 Müller