Jordan Pepper wins his first DTM race

There's no doubt that Jordan Pepper knew that starting from pole position would be a valuable advantage on the very narrow Norisring street circuit. The South African took full advantage of his position to pull away from the start of the race. Nicki Thiim (Lamborghini Huracan - Abt Sportsline) would not suffer the same fate as he was caught out at the start. He was passed by Thomas Preining (Porsche- Manthey EMA) and Thierry Vermeulen (Ferrari 296 GT3- Emil Frey racing) at the exit of the first corner. The end of the first lap even became dramatic for the Dane who spun after contact with Maro Engel (Mercedes AMG GT3- Team Winward). Thiim finished this race in an anonymous 20th position. The race was no more enjoyable for his teammate and reigning champion Mirko Bortolotti. Qualifying at the back of the grid, the official driver of the Italian brand crossed the finish line in a disappointing 16th place. The result was not much better for Marco Wittman (BMW M4 GT3-Schubert motorsport) 18th despite some formidable battles on the track. René Rast saved some points for his team by finishing 10th in the C1. 

Jules Gounon impotent

The Franco-Andorran had to settle for 7th place in the standings for this race. His Mercedes once again weighed down, following his performance at Zandvoort, not allowing him to fight higher in the standings. The only satisfaction for Jules was to finish on the heels of Lucas Auer (the championship leader) who only took a few points off him in the championship (19 points difference between the two men). Jules is still 4th in the general standings. The big man of the day was Jordan Pepper who won his first race in the German championship. Pepper was dominant throughout the race. Even his team's small mistake during the pit stop didn't jeopardize the GRT driver's great victory. Pepper won ahead of Preining and Maro Engel who both managed to pass Vermeulen just after the mandatory pit stops. 

The second race of DTM on the Norisring circuit is scheduled for this Sunday from 13:15 p.m. 

DTM- Norisring- Race 1 Results