Klettwitz/Germany, 20th May 2017 – The Lausitzring is a happy stomping ground for Lucas Auer. It was here a year ago that the Mercedes-Benz driver claimed his maiden victory in what is probably the most popular international touring car series, and the 22-year-old was unbeatable again on Saturday at the most easterly racetrack in Germany. Robert Wickens came home second to complete a one-two for Mercedes-Benz, while René Rast (Audi) finished third to claim the first podium of his DTM career. The best BMW driver was Maxime Martin in fourth place.
Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) and Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz), who started from eighth and ninth on the grid, came in for an early tyre change and went on to end the race in fifth and sixth place respectively. That result sees Gary Paffett climb into second place in the overall standings. However, he trails today’s winner Lucas Auer, who has been the dominant force so far this season, by 34 points. “Lucas Auer is in blistering form at the moment. He is managing to get the very best out of the Hankook race tyre, without putting it under too much strain. As at the opening race weekend in Hockenheim, we were treated to many exciting overtaking manoeuvres and battles for position here at the Lausitzring. Although Lucas Auer is the man to beat at the moment, anything is possible this DTM season, thanks in part to the Hankook race tyre,” said Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe.
Lucas Auer (Mercedes-Benz): “We had a good and consistent car. It was easy to manage. I am always impressed at the high cornering speeds you can achieve in this heavy touring car when you are on a quick lap. The Hankook race tyre plays a key role in making this possible.”
Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz): “The Hankook race tyre was my friend today. You have to manage it correctly, and cannot push too hard at the start, otherwise it wears too dramatically at the end. Our set-up helped me to manage the slick over the entire race distance, and the Hankook race tyre performed perfectly.”
René Rast (Audi): “I managed the Hankook race tyre well at the start, and did not push too hard. It continued to perform right through to the finish. I am very happy with it.”
Maxime Martin (BMW): “The Hankook tyre was good today. The other cars appear to have come to terms with it a little better today. We are still in the early stages of the season, and have to learn how to handle the Hankook slick better. I managed well on the tyres today, but we still have a lot of work to do.”
