Paffett's challenge faded as a result of an unscheduled pit-stop to fix a damaged tyre, dropping the Hockenheim race winner back to an unrepresentative 13th at the chequered flag, although he clocked the fastest lap of the race - at 1min 35.528secs - before the end.
“After my first stop, I was hit in the left front corner in the battle with Ekström, and this damaged my tyre," the gutted Briton sighed, "After a good qualifying and a good start to the race, I’m disappointed - because I could have won.”
Third place eventually went to another Audi, and the current domination held by the DTM's crop of youngsters was maintained by Martin Tomczyk, who crossed the line 3.898secs behind the lead battle. After a number of strong runs that had been negated by incidents, the result was a fillip for the young German.
"Finally, in my fourth year, I cut the knot," he said of his maiden podium, "I am absolutely happy. This feels great."
For quite a while, however, it had Opel's own unlucky pilot, Timo Scheider, who had held third place. However, twelve laps from the finish, a technical problem dropped him back to sixth.
"When I tried to brake in corner number seven, my throttle control got stuck and I went right into the gravel," the disappointed German sighed, "After that, for some laps, I went a little smoother. It's a pity. My car was well on the road, and I might have brought home my third position."
The problem allowed DTM newcomer Tom Kristensen to complete an Audi 2-3-4, which had the marque's sporting director, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, praising the level of competition in the series.
"Mattias, Martin and Tom did an excellent job," he enthused, "We were only a glance away from winning, but Mercedes stayed on top. The most spectacular overtaking manoeuvres we saw are a proof of DTM's high level of performance."
Bernd Schneider also took advantage of his near namesake's misfortune, opening his account after retirement at Hockenheim.
“I made a good start and my car ran well but, on this track, it’s difficult to overtake," the reigning champion admitted, "From my seventh position on the grid, I couldn’t achieve more.”
