Days of thunder – Wittmann takes sensational win at rainy Assen
Marco Wittmann (GER) claimed a brilliantly assertive wet-weather victory as the DTM put on a spectacular show at the TT Circuit Assen, the Netherlands’ ‘Cathedral of Speed’.
From pole position, and running the first three laps behind the Safety Car, the BMW driver braved the worst weather conditions to pull a narrow lead over title rival René Rast (GER, Audi). On a similar strategy, the leading pair dropped behind Nico Müller (SUI, Audi), who crept through the field after cleverly gambling on a late stop for fresh rubber in a bid to maximise his pace in the closing laps.
On colder rubber, the Swiss was unable to resist Wittmann’s advances, but, once his tyres were up to temperature, he could build a narrow cushion over Rast, eventually claiming a superb runner-up spot.
At the exact halfway point of the season (nine races of 18 completed), the top four championship contenders booked out today’s top four finishing positions, with Philipp Eng (AUT, BMW) coming home fourth.
Today’s result means that Rast (145 points) drops just one point to Müller (121), who sits ahead of Eng (111) and Wittmann (100).
Challenging conditions – maximum speed at minimal grip
The Assen circuit is the fastest track on the DTM calendar, with the infamous ‘Ramshoek’ the quickest corner of the entire season, taken at speeds of 270kph in dry conditions, and with a lateral force of around 3g. Saturday’s showery weather added further spice to the action: the race director electing to begin the race behind the Safety Car for the opening three laps. During the race, the rains slightly abated, meaning a drier line could emerge, but the predicted heavy thunderstorms happily never arrived.
Positive results for Glock, Aston Martin
After a disappointing start to his season, Timo Glock (GER, BMW) enjoyed one of the most competitive outings of the year, driving superbly and finishing a strong fifth – despite ploughing through the gravel after an off in the early laps.
R-Motorsport Aston Martin continued to make progress: Jake Dennis (GBR) and Ferdinand von Habsburg (AUT) finished 12th and 13th respectively. Paul Di Resta showed genuinely impressive pace but his race was stymied by a lengthy pit-stop, meaning he could only finish 14th.
At the exact halfway point of the season (nine races of 18 completed), the top four championship contenders booked out today’s top four finishing positions, with Philipp Eng (AUT, BMW) coming home fourth.
Today’s result means that Rast (145 points) drops just one point to Müller (121), who sits ahead of Eng (111) and Wittmann (100).
Challenging conditions – maximum speed at minimal grip
The Assen circuit is the fastest track on the DTM calendar, with the infamous ‘Ramshoek’ the quickest corner of the entire season, taken at speeds of 270kph in dry conditions, and with a lateral force of around 3g. Saturday’s showery weather added further spice to the action: the race director electing to begin the race behind the Safety Car for the opening three laps. During the race, the rains slightly abated, meaning a drier line could emerge, but the predicted heavy thunderstorms happily never arrived.
Positive results for Glock, Aston Martin
After a disappointing start to his season, Timo Glock (GER, BMW) enjoyed one of the most competitive outings of the year, driving superbly and finishing a strong fifth – despite ploughing through the gravel after an off in the early laps.
R-Motorsport Aston Martin continued to make progress: Jake Dennis (GBR) and Ferdinand von Habsburg (AUT) finished 12th and 13th respectively. Paul Di Resta showed genuinely impressive pace but his race was stymied by a lengthy pit-stop, meaning he could only finish 14th.
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