Jamie Green delivered Mercedes-Benz its maiden victory of the 2008 DTM campaign in round three at Mugello this weekend, as the three-pointed star finally brought an end to Audi's domination of the season so far.
Mercedes had looked almost second-rate in relation to its Ingolstadt rival in the opening two meetings at Hockenheim and Oschersleben, with Audi drivers monopolising not only the top step of the rostrum, but also the leading three positions in the title chase. No longer.
Better still for the Stuttgart manufacturer was the fact that Paul di Resta took the chequered flag just over three seconds behind Green in second place, catapulting Mercedes back into contention for outright honours. The duo were aided by pole-sitter Timo Scheider receiving a drive-through penalty for a jump-start, leaving the championship leader down in a frustrated tenth position at the close just behind Bruno Spengler, who had qualified sixth but lost as many places following an opening lap collision.
“I am happy with this victory, especially after a start of the season that has been particularly difficult for all of us,” enthused a delighted Green after sealing the third triumph of his DTM career, his third win from the last five races and a result that has vaulted him up into second place in the championship, just a single marker adrift of Scheider, who narrowly retained his overall advantage despite failing to score.
“I had a good start and was well able to control the race and the margin over the cars behind me,” the Briton continued. “I am happy with victory, and we are proud of what we have achieved today. In the DTM, there is no way to predict anything and this year is tougher for us than last year.”
“I reckon that Mercedes-Benz and I can be equally happy with this result,” added di Resta, who matched the best performance of his DTM career with second place. “We have been working hard and had to wait for a long time to make it onto the podium.
