Joining a new series is never easy, as all three rookies found out this weekend in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), especially with the busy schedule everyone now has.
BMW’s Tom Blomqvist, along with the Mercedes pair of Lucas Auer and Maximillian Götz, was a disappointed man, after suffering retirement in race one, and finishing 17th earlier today.
“That was not an easy weekend. This was the first time I have driven a DTM car in wet conditions, and it was tough,” said the 21-year-old, who felt pretty confident in the dry.
“Unfortunately I did not make a good start in race one. As a result, I found myself stuck in all the turmoil on the opening lap and had to retire after a number of contacts.”
Both Blomqvist and his Team RBM team mate, Augusto Farfus, were handed a five-place grid penalty before today’s race.
This was as a result of both wet tyre boxes being opened before this morning’s qualifying session for race two, putting him back to the rear of the grid.
“The second race started really well, but we were not able to match the pace of the others in the rain and I had a few problems,” he explained, having nearly been collected by Maxime Martin in the melée of tyre stops during the race.
“Despite this, I am optimistic, as we were quick – particularly in dry conditions. However, we still have some work ahead of us.”