A collision between Jamie Green and Maro Engel during the starting phase of Saturday’s DTM season opener at Hockenheim cost both drivers a potential points finish.
The incident took place on lap four, when both drivers were dueling over tenth place. Jamie Green set up his Audi for a move to the inside of DTM returnee and Mercedes-Benz works’ driver Engel, clipping the German’s left rear bumper which led him to pirouette off track.
Whilst both drivers were able to continue their races with only minor bodywork damage, the lost places turned out to be irredeemable for the two of them. Green was also immediately handed a drive-through penalty, which certainly did not help the Briton’s efforts to recover.
Engel and Green ended their days in 17th and 18th position respectively, but there is hope that tomorrow’s race will bring better chances.
“My start was unfortunately mediocre – I still have some practising to do here. After that, my race was going OK until Jamie clipped the rear of my car while we were both braking. After that I had no chance,” said Engel after the race.
“Sadly, the incident cost us both the race. The only positive thing is that, unlike my last DTM race five years ago, I don’t have to wait two weeks for the next opportunity.”
The 18-car strong DTM field will have the chance to take on the Hockenheimring once again tomorrow, with qualifying 2 at 12:20 CEST (11:20 BST) and race 2 at 15:18 CEST (14:18 BST).