Klettwitz/Germany, 19th May 2018 – Within seconds of the race starting, two cars at the back of the field collided, resulting in the safety car making an appearance. Shortly after the restart, the race was suspended on lap seven when reigning DTM champion René Rast (Audi) rolled spectacularly. Fortunately, the Audi man emerged unhurt. 17 minutes later, the cars were back racing again. Pole setter Lucas Auer (Mercedes-Benz) was initially able to defend his lead, followed by BMW drivers Bruno Spengler and Philipp Eng.

With the safety car phases and suspension leaving little time for the mandatory pit stops, the leading trio came straight in for a fresh set of Hankook race tyres after the second restart. Edoardo Mortara came in for his tyre change a few laps later and emerged from the pit lane leading the race. This strategy ultimately paid dividends, as he went on to take victory in race one of the DTM weekend at the Lausitzring.

Runner-up Timo Glock (BMW) was followed over the line by fellow BMW driver Philipp Eng. This was the rookie’s first podium in the DTM. Lucas Auer (Mercedes-Benz) finished fourth, while the best-placed Audi driver was Mike Rockenfeller eleventh.

Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe: “It was a thrilling race with many safety car phases. René Rast’s crash, which thankfully did not have any serious consequences, showed just how safe DTM cars are. Edoardo Mortara stayed out a little longer than his rivals and went on to take victory thanks to this clever tyre strategy. He is now third in the championship behind Timo Glock and Gary Paffett. That shows how evenly matched the DTM is this year.”

Mike Rockenfeller (Audi): “The safety car phases and suspension meant the race was very short. As such, I had absolutely no problem with the Hankook race tyres, especially as tyre wear is very low here at the Lausitzring. I hope we have a normal race tomorrow.”

Timo Glock (BMW): “We spared the Hankook tyres a bit today, as the race was very short. It is not so easy to get the tyres working on the smooth asphalt here at the Lausitzring. However, we managed that, had very good pace, and were able to set consistently fast lap times.”

Philipp Eng (BMW): “The race was very short, but was a lot of fun. I had a bit of a flat spot, which did not have any negative effect. The Hankook tyres worked well and I am delighted with my first podium finish in the DTM.”

Edoardo Mortara (Mercedes-Benz): “I drove over some debris after the crash at the start, but that had absolutely no effect on the Hankook race tyres. After the pit stop, I immediately found my rhythm on the Hankook slicks. I was able to push and to take the win.”