Budapest/Hungary, 17th June 2017 – The fifth race of the DTM, at the Hungaroring, was not for the faint of heart. It delivered gripping duels, overtaking manoeuvres and the matter of the right time to switch to new Hankook Ventus Race tyres. 31-year-old Paul Di Resta made the right decision and, thanks to an early stop on lap seven, was able to battle his way to victory with new Hankook tyres. It was the Scotsman’s eighth DTM win in 93 races.
Second-placed Timo Glock opted for the same strategy. He started from 14th on the grid and was also kitted out with new Hankook Ventus Race tyres by his pit crew after seven laps. Bruno Spengler, who started from the penultimate position on the grid, switched his tyres after just one lap and moved up into third place despite making a second pit stop. The early stops benefitted from a safety car phase in laps nine to eleven.
“Our new DTM slick, the Hankook Ventus Race, has increased the excitement in all of the races so far. Drivers and teams have more options for using the right strategy to take action during the race. This is good for both the series and the fans,” said Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe.
Going into the sixth race on Sunday, Lucas Auer (Mercedes-Benz), who finished today’s race in 13th place, leads the overall standings with 69 points. Hot on his heels is Jamie Green (Audi) with a deficit of eight points.
Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz): “We started very aggressively, and the Hankook tyres provided great support. The safety car also came out at the right time for me. I am very happy with the balance of the car. The tyre is the point of contact between the car and the track, and it’s giving good feedback.”
Timo Glock (BMW): “The high track temperature made it easier for me to get the Hankook tyres to work more quickly today. After one lap the Hankook tyres are there, you’ve got grip and the car is more stable. And that enables you to find your rhythm quickly.”
Bruno Spengler (BMW): “The tyres are designed so that they wear down quicker, and that makes it a challenge for us as drivers. I made a second stop and after that things went really well for me, and I was able to fend off the attacks from Mike Rockenfeller. The tyres lasted well.”
Mike Rockenfeller (Audi): “I had a good start and wanted to go easy on the tyres. Unfortunately, the safety car appeared. It was clear that we had lost the race. I had a good pace with my second set of Hankook tyres and moved up into fourth place. Generally, the cold tyres at the start are not a problem, if anything they make it more fun. After three or four turns, or a lap at the most, you can really go for it.”
