DTM: Mike Rockenfeller as best Audi driver on position six
A starting accident deprived Audi of the chance for victory in the DTM home round at the Norisring. In front of 135,000 spectators (throughout the weekend) Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Phoenix on position six was the best Audi driver.
Mike Rockenfeller was one of the few Audi racers to make it through turn one unharmed but lost valuable time at the first pit stop due to a jammed wheel nut. "In addition, I was struggling a bit with the second set of tires," said "Rocky", who drove the second-fastest lap shortly before the end of the race and managed to advance to position six. "When you start from eleventh on the grid and finish in the points thats definitely okay because the battle in the DTM is very tough this year. The eight points I scored were very important for me. My performance in the race wasnt so bad and I was fortunate in the first turn."
Rockenfeller was the only Audi driver to finish in the points at the Norisring. Filipe Albuquerque (TV Movie Audi A5 DTM) and Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM) barely missed them on positions eleven and twelve after fierce battles and a few incidents of body contact.
Mike Rockenfeller (Schaeffler Audi A5 DTM), 6th place
"From grid position eleven, my expectations hadnt been very high. The changeable weather of course benefited me to some extent but, still, my race wasnt optimal in every respect. The key toward advancing was turn one, which I managed to get through unharmed on the inside in all the commotion. Afterward, I only concentrated on driving fast laps. Sixth place was the maximum for my team and me that was possible."
Miguel Molina (Red Bull Audi A5 DTM), 12th place
"My race was pretty good. I started from position 20 and finished on twelfth. Our strategy and the pace in the race were good but Ive got to get better in qualifying. For the next races we need to particularly work on that."
Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix): "A turbulent race with changeable weather. We advanced from position eleven to six. Our aim had been to move forward by a few more places but the competition was very strong - and it took a long time for the tires to develop grip. Our set-up was good. Rocky and the squad did a superb job. Miguel (Molina), too, had a flawless race and a good speed."