The 2019 DTM title has swung emphatically towards Rene Rast (GER) after the Audi driver claimed maximum points from pole position and a lights-to-flag race victory at the Nürburgring.
The German also maximised the advantage after his closest title rival failed to score. From third on the grid, Nico Müller jumped the start, received a drive-through penalty, and was forced to gamble on an early stop for tyres in order to capitalise on a Safety Car period that never came. It prompted a second stop for fresh tyres, and a slump to 16th position.
Only Marco Wittmann (GER, BMW) made the best of his situation. From 11th on the grid, Wittmann worked his way up to finish on the podium, finishing third to keep his title hopes alive by the slenderest of margins. With a maximum of 84 points still at stake, Wittmann trails championship leader Rast by 80. Müller remains second in the drivers’ standings, 47 points behind Rast.
A perfect day! Just as one would wish for, with pole position, victory and having extended the championship lead. Moreover, the technology worked perfectly. I am mega happy with my 47-point gap. Now, I hope to be able to seal the title tomorrow. But to do so, I have to be wide awake tomorrow as well.” – René Rast, winner.
Rast is in a position to wrap up the 2019 drivers’ title in Sunday’s race, he can win the title if he scores nine more points than Müller tomorrow.
A double podium for BMW courtesy of Spengler and Wittmann
Despite an emotional victory at the Norisring, Bruno Spengler (CDN, BMW) has endured a difficult season, but capped a strong performance in the Eifel mountains with a solid second position in today’s race.
Starting on the front row, he lost a position to the jump-starting Müller, and then dropped behind Mike Rockenfeller as the field funneled into the twisting infield sector. The Canadian then drove an unruffled race, moving into second following Rockenfeller’s retirement, and finishing a solid second ahead of fellow BMW driver Marco Wittmann.
“My start was okay, although I lost a few positions. From third place, I tried to overtake Mike Rockenfeller and I had a good battle with him. However, we weren’t able to keep up with René Rast’s pace. The team has done a good job with the strategy and a slightly later stop. In qualifying, we have made good progress with the car too.” – Bruno Spengler, 2nd place
At the brand’s Nürburgring DTM debut, Aston Martin only just missed out on a points-scoring finish. Daniel Juncadella (ESP), Ferdinand von Habsburg (AUT) and Paul Di Resta (GBR) battled hard all race, and were classified in 11th to 13th positions – in that order.
Source DTM Media
