DTM – Rockenfeller: “A very valuable 4th place”

It is an understatement to say that the seventh round of DTM was most complicated, notably due to unpredictable weather. Having arrived comfortably at the head of the championship, Mike Rockenfeller aimed to increase his lead. A mission that he managed to carry out brilliantly. And yet, he was not helped. “It was a complicated race, emphasizes Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport. There were fights at all levels, including between drivers defending the colors of the same brand. After contact at the first corner, Mike (Rockenfeller. Editor’s note) and his team did everything to perfection. The points gleaned today are essential in the fight for the title. »

“Seeing your championship leader off the track in the first corner is the worst thing you can imagine, continues Dieter Gass, head of the DTM program for the ringed firm. We found ourselves near the back of the standings, but made the right decision by calling Mike into the pits while he was behind the safety car. Just as we were right to put him on rain tires even though this stop was not counted as one of the obligatory pit stops. But given the conditions, it was clear that it was the right decision. If you want to make a comeback from the end of the peloton, this is the only chance you have. From this point of view, the race went perfectly. Considering how the race went and the difficulties, we can only be happy with this result. »

In the end, the winner of 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010 will take the checkered flag in fourth position behind Robert Wickens, Augusto Farfus and Christian Vietoris. “Being last after the first turn, it is obvious that these points make me happy, He says. Of course I would have preferred to be on the podium and taste the champagne. But this is not always possible in DTM. It's too tight and the level too high. This means you have to know how to take what there is to take. This fourth place is very precious. »

And for good reason, with three rounds remaining, these 12 points gleaned at the Nürburgring allow him to increase his lead to 35 points over his closest pursuer. A pursuer, whose name now is Christian Vietoris and no longer Bruno Spengler. He is therefore indeed the big winner of the weekend.

Find in your AUTOhebdo magazine n°1923, available now in digital version and from tomorrow on newsstands, the analysis of the 7th round of the DTM by our special correspondent at the Nürburgring.