Wittmann on the cusp in DTM

marcowittmann

The BMW driver produced a faultless display at the iconic circuit and passed the chequered flag 1.2 seconds ahead of local Mike Rockenfeller (Audi).

Wittmann only relinquished the lead on one of the 49 laps, that coming when he had to take his mandatory stop, and he recovered to win for the fourth time this season.

His victory means he now has a huge 64-point gap over closest rivals Edoardo Mortara and Mattias Ekstrom (both Audi) with just three races remaining and 75 points on offer.

"The race was pretty good," Wittmann was quoted as saying by Autosport after the race.

"I had a good start, and good opening laps where I could make a gap. At the end of the race I was a bit under pressure - I was struggling a bit with the prime tyres. But overall it was a great weekend for us."

Rockenfeller made a swift start and had already slipped passed Mortara by the run to the first corner, and he soon applied pressure to Wittmann, even moving within DRS distance in the closing stages of the race.

Mortara had to settle for third and throughout the race he had the company of Paul di Resta (Mercedes) who had expertly worked his way up from eighth on the grid to place fourth.

Timo Scheider had looked strong in the early throes and threatened a challenge for a podium spot, only for his race to be curtailed due to a collision with fellow Audi driver Nico Muller on lap eight.

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