Hockenheim/Germany, 15th October 2018 – Audi Sport Team Phoenix once again proved unbeatable in the pit lane in 2018. On average, over the course of the season, driver Mike Rockenfeller’s crew completed the fastest tyre changes and was rewarded with victory in the Hankook Best Pit Stop Award. In doing so, the Audi team not only successfully defended the title it won last year, but secured the prize awarded by the exclusive DTM tyre partner for the third time.

Hankook has presented the Best Pit Stop Award every year since first becoming involved in what is arguably the most popular international touring car series in 2011. The award sees the premium tyre maker acknowledge the important work carried out by mechanics in the pit lane, which, in a series as evenly matched as the DTM, can make the difference between victory and defeat. At the end of each race weekend, points are awarded for the fastest stop from the two races, using the same points system as the DTM standings. The overall winner at the end of the season receives the prestigious crystal trophy. The exclusive DTM partner also organises a team event for the victorious team.

Audi Sport Team Phoenix had already been confirmed as the winner of the Hankook Best Pit Stop Award before the final race weekend in Hockenheim. The crew’s great strength was its consistency. The Audi mechanics scored points at every DTM race weekend. No other team won on more occasions. Second and third place went to BMW Team RBM with its drivers Joel Eriksson and Bruno Spengler.

Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe: “The speed and precision, with which Audi Sport Team Phoenix has changed the Hankook tyres in recent years has been nothing short of impressive. All the teams do a great job, but the Audi crew has been that little bit better this season. As the gaps in the DTM are minimal, the pit stop can make all the difference. No driver in the DTM, or in motor racing in general, can be successful without a fast team.”

Ernst Moser, team principal Audi Sport Team Phoenix: “It is super that Hankook launched this award. We are proud to have defended the title. The basis for this success was that we did not make any mistakes and always picked up points. Thanks to my guys, they are simply great.”

Mike Rockenfeller, 2013 DTM champion: “It has taken a great effort from our team to successfully defend the Hankook title. Practice does indeed pay off. As a driver, your contribution to the pit stop is only a small one. You have to do a good job of pulling in and out of the pits. A fast crew always gives you a good feeling. It is great of Hankook to honour the important work of the mechanics in the pit lane and we are delighted to have won this award.”

Dirk Theimann, Audi team manager in the DTM: “We are proud of this award. A lot of work has gone into achieving such consistently quick tyre changes through the years. It is important to assemble the team effectively. Everyone has to be in the right position. Only then can you be successful. We want to back this performance up next year.”

Winners of the Hankook Best Pit Stop Award

2018 Audi Sport Team Phoenix

2017 Audi Sport Team Phoenix

2016 BMW Team MTEK

2015 Audi Sport Team Abt

2014 Mercedes-AMG Team HWA

2013 BMW Team Schnitzer

2012 Audi Sport Team Abt

2011 Audi Sport Team Phoenix