Robin Frijns enjoyed an easier run to his second DTM victory, as team-mate Nico Müller developed an issue in race two at the Nürburgring which allowed Frijns to win by over four seconds.
Müller had put his Audi on pole position for the race and led during the first phase until the pit stops, whilst Frijns circulated in second, around one second behind.
However, a sensor issue on Müller’s Audi saw the championship leader lose pace from the fifth lap onwards, bringing Frijns within striking distance.
After both had pitted for new tyres, on lap 16 Frijns was close enough to attack Müller and he passed for the lead into the chicane.
Müller then slipped down to fifth by the end of the race, but in the process of defending his position he helped Frijns to establish a comfortable lead at the front.
Whilst Frijns was pleased to win again and reduce Müller’s points advantage – which had grown on Saturday – to 29 points, Frijns admitted the win wasn’t as good as his maiden victory just seven days ago in Assen.
“Obviously, every win feels good,” said Frijns. “It’s not as good as last week because I had a lot of pressure from behind in Assen. Today it was a bit more easy.
“Unfortunately, Nico had an issue from the start because he was quite slow on the straights. I think at the beginning we were a really similar pace, so I think he could have had an issue.
“It was going to be a good battle for the victory and as he had an issue we had a good gap to the cars behind so I just did my laps and drove it home.”
Frijns is confident for next weekend’s races, which also take place on the Nürburgring circuit, albeit on the sprint configuration.
“I think we made a big step from Saturday to Sunday. I was much happier with the car today so as we’re driving on the same track next weekend it looks promising.”