DTM-C1: Pascal Wehrlein winner at the Norisring

Strategy will have played a major role in the outcome of the first race of the DTM at the Norisring. While the rain had returned with a downpour just before departure, Pascal Wehrlein (Mercedes) had chosen to stay on slick tires while most of the peloton was wearing rain rubber. A choice that will pay off since conditions will improve.

After a chaotic start, where the safety car will be deployed for contact in the peloton at the first corner, Christian Vietoris (Mercedes) who had kept the best of Gary Paffett (Mercedes) at the start, will lead the debates for a while, before having to go back to the pits to put on the slick tires.

The multiple stops will put Wehrlein in control of the event, which the German driver will keep until the end, taking with him three more AMG C-Coupes, with Robert Wickens, Gary Paffett and former frontman Christian Vietoris. This is the first success in 2015 for Mercedes. Bruno Spengler places the first BMW M4 in fifth position, while Jamie green managed to bring the only Audi RS5 into the top 10 in seventh place.

The second race of the Norisring weekend will take place tomorrow.