A mark of respect was shown by all three BMW Motorsport drivers to those mechanics and marshals injured in the three incidents that overshadowed the sixth race of the 2018 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season, with two-time champion Marco Wittmann winning the shortened encounter.
Wittmann, along with Timo Glock and Philipp Eng, opted to not spray the customary celebratory champagne after what had transpired in the pit lane.
His Team RMG boss, Stefan Reinhold, was sending well wishes to those that had sustained injuries after the hefty downpour that saw Lucas Auer, Edoardo Mortara and Bruno Spengler have no control over their vehicles, whilst going into the pits for their respective mandatory stops.
“We would obviously like to dedicate today’s win to everyone who was hurt during today’s race. Our thoughts and best wishes are with them,” stated Reinhold, who had all three drivers in the points via Wittmann, points leader Glock and Augusto Farfus, who scored his best finish of the season in eighth.
“On one hand, we are pleased that yesterday’s hard work paid off today, and that we were able to claim a one-two with Marco and Timo. On the other hand, you would rather win under different circumstances. Despite that, it is obviously a very good result for us.”
Despite having started 14th on the grid, Wittmann himself admitted that even he went slightly too far in his pit box when attempting his mandatory stop.
“The pit lane was very slippery. I saw photos and videos of the accidents afterwards. That obviously takes the shine off the win. I hope the guys are doing ok, under the circumstances, and that they have not suffered any serious injuries,” said the 28-year-old, who is now fifth in the standings after his victory.
Spengler himself admitted in an interview during the stoppage period that he had slowed his M4 DTM to around 15-20 km/h to combat the treacherous conditions that swamped the entire track after just ten minutes, but was relieved after he was informed that no major injuries had occurred.
“First of all, I would like to apologise to my mechanic. Although I was already driving much slower than usual, the wheels locked. As a result, I could not avoid hitting him. I am very sorry,” explained the 2012 champion, who secured seventh place.
“We should probably have come in a lap earlier and switched to wet-weather tyres. Maybe the pit lane would have been drier then too. However, it is not easy in those chaotic situations. After Saturday’s result, it was important for BMW to score heavily today.”
BMW now head to the Norisring second in the manufacturers’ standings, 57 points off leaders Mercedes, after all six drivers scored points in the second race of the weekend.