Even with a dominant showcase from Audi Sport, Marco Wittmann was still able to make the best of the situation in the DTM sprint race at the Hungaroring, as the current points leader was able to take a “very valuable” six points after 26 laps.
The Team RMG notched up more consistent efforts on the first full day of action at Hungary, taking a top ten start and finish for the 13th time this year, which has helped him keep a lead of 14 points over chief rival Edoardo Mortara, who won the sprint race.
I had a very good start, but a particularly awesome first corner. I mustered all my courage and braked late,” said the 2014 champion, who was able to make the move for seventh place stick in the first turn on lap one, before having a lonely race to the finish.
“We did not stand a chance against the Audi dominance today. Let’s see how we get on tomorrow.”
Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt was critical of the race becoming somewhat processional after the turn of events that transpired on the first two laps, saying that it “is a shame for the fans.”
“As we had to expect after qualifying, that was hard work. With so many Audis out in front, it is difficult to make your way to the very front of the field,” he explained, stating that qualifying as the key to a better set of results on the second day, as BMW have now lost their lead to Audi in the constructors’ standings.
“Marco made a great start and spotted the gap in turn one, although Mattias Ekström did not make his life easy. He then defended his seventh place with everything he had.”