Robert Wickens says his Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters victory at the Norisring is “like a dream come true” after the Mercedes driver scored his second victory in the series at the Nuremberg circuit.
Canadian Wickens was on top form throughout the weekend of the fourth round of the series, topping second practice on Saturday before going on to take his second-ever pole position in the DTM in qualifying.
“I couldn’t have wished for a better day today,” said Wickens after the race. “Our good pace in practice and my pole position came right out of the blue after a tough start to the season. And then today’s win as well, it’s like a dream come true for me!”
It is the second victory for the 25-year-old in wet conditions, with the win also maintaining Mercedes’ 12-year winning streak at the Norisring.
“Conditions were very difficult as was the case with my maiden DTM victory at the Nürburgring last year. But I’ve always done well in conditions like these. The team has worked hard to improve our performance and this success is just reward for their efforts. The weather was something else, though, and we never knew if it would go on raining or turn dry.
“My team did a fantastic job and always kept me informed as to whether I should continue to attack or nurse the tyres. Thanks guys, you are all really great!”
Mercedes Head of DTM Marketing and Communication Wolfgang Schattling praised Wickens’ weekend, which ultimately led to the marques second win of the season. Only Audi have failed to secure a win so far in 2014, despite six of their drivers featuring in the top ten in the championship.
“We are more than happy with this convincing victory,” said Schattling. “Robert has produced a top-notch performance this weekend. He was supremely fast both in the wet and in the dry. Robert showed last year with his maiden DTM victory at the Nürburgring that he can win in difficult conditions.
“We’ve won two out of four races despite a very tough start to the season, which shows that our team has worked brilliantly well and made the best of the situation.“