Mike Rockenfeller says the second DTM race at the Hockenheimring was ‘an awesome race’ after the 2013 champion came from ninth on the grid to take second on the final lap of the race.
Rockenfeller made up three places at the start of the race to be running in seventh prior to the pit stop phase, before the German leapt up to fifth during the pit stops.
He then made further progress in the closing laps as the lead battle allowed the pack behind to catch up, before pulling a decisive move on Mercedes’ Gary Paffett, who had been squabbling for the lead with BMW’s Timo Gloc, on the last lap for the final podium position.
“That was an awesome race today,” said Rockenfeller. “My car was much better than yesterday. Qualifying wasn’t perfect, but the race was top.
“I was able to attack on both sets of tyres. Because Timo and Gary at the front kept overtaking each other Joel [Eriksson] and I came closer and closer.
“In the end, we had a four-way battle up until the last turn. It was mega fun and no doubt worth watching. I’m going to watch it myself again tonight.
“It’s been one of the coolest races I’ve ever driven.”
Audi Sport Team Phoenix’s Ernst Moser praised Rockenfeller’s driving throughout the race, and admitted that he had seldom seen such a race in the German touring car series.
“I think I’ve rarely experienced such a race,” added Team Principal Moser. “The drivers delivered an awesome performance and an even more exciting race than yesterday. It was really fantastic to watch.
“Today our entire strategy paid off – from the car to the pit stops and the performance by the whole team. Mike and Loïc [Duval, fifth] gave their best right up to the finish and were rewarded with second and fifth places.”