R-Motorsport’s Jake Dennis battled hard in the second DTM race at Zolder to take his first points in the series from 13th on the grid.
The 23 year old, who was unlucky to retire from race one as he was entering pit lane, made up for the disappointment to bring home the best result for the new Aston Martin Vantage DTM so far.
“My first points in the fourth race: a very nice end to my second race weekend in the DTM.”
The rookie momentarily took the race lead as he was the last driver to make their mandatory stop.
As Dennis made his way to pitlane, BMW Team RMG driver Marco Wittmann collided with Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Robin Frijns, pitching the latter into a spin.
Frijns was unable to rejoin the race forcing the safety car to come out.
This meant that the R-Motorsport’s driver returned to the track in eighth place with new Hankook tyres.
“We knew that with our strategy, we had the chance to do well in the race,” explained the rookie.
“I was able to pay attention to my tires in the first stint and had a fresh set of tires for the final laps.”
It was not to be a straightforward run to the checkered flag, as Dennis was locked in an intense battle with Audi Sport Team Rosberg’s Jamie Green as they battles to pass BMW Team RMR driver Timo Glock.
The triplet went three wide into the first corner on lap 29, with Green jumping ahead.
Dennis was forced to drain his DRS and push-to-pass allowance to find a way past Glock.
Once through, Dennis was under attack from BMW Team RMG driver Bruno Spengler.
“Unfortunately, in the final phase, no DRS was available to me, but it was to those chasing me – that made my life quite difficult.
“I was happy to see the checkered flag in P6.”
Dennis now sits 14th in the standings with 8 points, three behind teammate Paul Di Resta.