The Lausitzring is a happy stomping ground for Lucas Auer. It was here a year ago that the Mercedes-Benz driver claimed his maiden victory in what is probably the most popular international touring car series, and the 22-year-old was unbeatable again on Saturday at the most easterly racetrack in Germany. Robert Wickens came home second to complete a one-two for Mercedes-Benz, while René Rast (Audi) finished third to claim the first podium of his DTM career. The best BMW driver was Maxime Martin in fourth place.
Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) and Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz), who started from eighth and ninth on the grid, came in for an early tyre change and went on to end the race in fifth and sixth place respectively. That result sees Gary Paffett climb into second place in the overall standings. However, he trails today’s winner Lucas Auer, who has been the dominant force so far this season, by 34 points. “Lucas Auer is in blistering form at the moment. He is managing to get the very best out of the Hankook race tyre, without putting it under too much strain. As at the opening race weekend in Hockenheim, we were treated to many exciting overtaking manoeuvres and battles for position here at the Lausitzring. Although Lucas Auer is the man to beat at the moment, anything is possible this DTM season, thanks in part to the Hankook race tyre,” said Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe.
