Audi driver Tom Kristensen stayed cool and was rewarded with a maiden DTM victory at the MotoPark Oschersleben today [Sunday], round seven of the championship.
The Dane was thrilled with the result.
"It’s amazing that I was able to win a race so early on in my DTM career," reflected Kristensen. "I’m over the moon with this win because I don’t know when I’ll be able to repeat it.
"The first win is the nicest, but also the most important. I had a fantastic car and a great team. I took over the lead after my first pit stop, but Martin was in top form today and pressured me until the very end."
His team-mate Martin Tomczyk in an Audi A4 DTM crossed the finish line hot on the heels and 2.7 seconds off the pace. Tomczyk had been in the lead until the 20th lap before relinquishing this to Kristensen after his second pit stop.
"This second place is my biggest success in the DTM," he noted. "Tom and I drove the same lap times. Everything went perfectly for us.
"There were sadly problems with the nuts on the left front wheel during my second pit stop and Tom then passed me. I’m not sad that I didn’t win. A dream would have come true, but an Audi nevertheless won."
Audi boss, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich couldn't contain his delight.
"The whole team pulled off an incredibly brilliant performance, both the drivers and the mechanics. It’s something quite unique to celebrate a double win in such a competitive line-up," he added. "We saw exquisite motorsports acted out in front of packed grandstands and I think the DTM can be proud that’s it’s going so well this year."
Opel driver, Manuel Reuter meanwhile ensured it was a heart-stopping finale.
The driver from Mainz fought for every inch over many laps behind the third-placed Gary Paffett in an AMG-Mercedes C-class. Reuter was then able to overtake the Briton after he skidded slightly in the penultimate lap, and the German then crossed the finish line in third.
