With his Audi RS 5 DTM, Mike Rockenfeller secured pole position in qualifying for the penultimate season round at Zandvoort.
Thus, last year’s title winner will start the race ahead of freshly-crowned champion Marco Wittmann (BMW). “A great result. We knew that we would be good here. Moreover, the track at Zandvoort simply suits me. Once again, it was very close, as usual in the DTM. Last time, I still had to start from the midfield. Now, I am up front again,” a delighted Rockenfeller commented. The duel is also thrilling considering the manufacturers’ standings. Prior to the final two rounds, BMW is leading, but only 18 points ahead of Audi.
In spite of his early title win at the Lausitzring, Marco Wittmann’s ambitions remain unaffected. “I am a little bit annoyed, because pole position would have been within reach,” the 24-year-old said. “Unfortunately, I made a slight mistake that cost me the decisive time. On Sunday, I will try everything to make life as difficult as possible for Mike.” With another BMW M4 DTM, Martin Tomczyk qualified eighth.
Pascal Wehrlein has positive and negative feelings after qualifying. The 19-year-old, who scored his maiden DTM race win in the previous round at the Lausitzring, was classified seventh. “On one hand, we can be happy, because we did considerably better than in the practice sessions. On the other and, I am also a little bit annoyed that I am not further up the grid. After first place in Q2, I had high hopes of being able to battle for pole position,” the German commented.
Wehrlein was the only driver of a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé to make it into the final qualifying heat.
The ninth and penultimate DTM season round will start on Sunday at 13:30 hrs. ARD is broadcasting live from the dunes in Zandvoort from 13:15 hrs.
