2012 Hockenheim DTM: one-two for Mercedes
Posted 29th April, 2012 in Motorsport | Leave a comment
Gary Paffett has given the new Mercedes AMG C-Coupé its first win, with Jamie Green finishing behind him giving the company a well deserved one-two result. Audi’s Mattias Ekström took the third step of the podium in the DTM season opener in front of 142,000 spectators at the Hockenheimring.
Starting from Pole position, Mattias Ekstrom made an error on turn two, running wide, opening the door for Green and Paffett to slip through. Green pitted for tyres a lap before his team-mate, which resulted in Paffett rejoining the race alongside Green before making use of the inside line and securing the lead until the end.
After a positive qualifying session for returning brand BMW, things quickly turned sour during the race. Werner started from third, but fell to the back of the field after a collision with Ralf Schumacher and ultimately finishing in 17th place. Martin Tomczyk and Bruno Spengler retired after various incidents early on in the race, meaning sixth-placed Andy Priaulx provided the team with its best position on the day.
“After a difficult 2011, I am pleased to have found the way back to the podium top spot. I’ve always believed in the team and my speed and that’s now paid off. The scrap with Jamie was really exciting and always very fair, which is exactly how racing should be, simply terrific!” said an ecstatic Paffett.
Hockenheim Results – 40 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. G Paffett HWA Mercedes 1h04m37.615s
2. J Green HWA Mercedes + 4.709s
3. M Ekstrom Abt Audi + 19.434s
4. C Vietoris HWA Mercedes + 25.774s
5. M Rockenfeller Phoenix Audi + 27.834s
6. A Priaulx RBM BMW + 28.435s
7. R Schumacher HWA Mercedes + 39.948s
8. D Coulthard Mucke Mercedes + 43.306s
9. M Molina Phoenix Audi + 46.079s
10. F Albuquerque Rosberg Audi + 46.614s
11. E Mortara Rosberg Audi + 47.253s
12. S Wolff Mucke Mercedes + 51.971s
13. J Hand RMG BMW + 1m08.628s
14. R Wickens Persson Mercedes + 1m09.027s
15. A Farfus RBM BMW + 1m09.556s
16. R Frey Abt Audi + 1m16.123s
17. D Werner Schnitzer BMW + 1 lap
[Source: DTM]
