Bruno Spengler attacks in the battle for DTM title

BMW driver on top after qualifying from points leader Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)Top trio on the first three starting grid positions for the third-last DTM roundHigh kerbstones at Oschersleben demanding for tyre constructionBruno Spengler remains in the race in the battle for the title in the most popular international touring car series. The BMW driver came out on top in qualifying in the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben and will start from pole position into Sundays third-last DTM round of the season. With a victory, the Canadian, currently third in the driversstandings, would not only reduce the gap to pointsleader Gary Paffett, but at best even overtake the Mercedes-Benz driver.However, this will be difficult, because the Brit ended up second in qualifying with the minimal gap of 86 thousandths of a second and will thus line up alongside Spengler on the front row of the grid. Paffetts fellow Mercedes-Benz driver Jamie Green ended up third. He is currently second in the driversstandings and also still has hopes of securing the DTM title. Dirk Werner (BMW) got fourth place. With the top trio in the first three places on the grid, maximum excitement in the battle for the title is guaranteed for Sundays race.

Audi failed to build on its great performance at Zandvoort, where the brand had locked out the first five starting grid positions and scored a 1-2-3 in the race. Swede Mattias Ekstrm was the best-placed driver of the brand from Ingolstadt in fifth place. Italian Edoardo Mortara, currently the man to beat in the DTM with a victory and a second place from the last two races, only ended up seventh.In the battle for the fastest time, the drivers were running very hard over the high kerbstones in order to complete the laps of the twisty track at maximum speed. This put a huge load on the construction and the inner side of the competition tyre, especially when coming back onto the track over the kerbstones. However, the exclusive DTM tyre Ventus Race also dealt masterfully with these challenges. Moreover, the slick again provided a reliably high grip level, which allowed for quick accelerating out of the slow sections.Bruno Spengler (BMW): Pole position is good, but I am standing on the outside, and when Gary has a slightly better start, he has an advantage, because he is on the inside. The Hankook tyres were very fast and consistent throughout qualifying. In Q2, there were seven drivers within two tenths of a second. This shows that all the tyres are equal and how high the level in the DTM and of the tyres is. Tomorrow, I need a good start and I will try to avoid any accidents, especially in the first corner.Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz): I am very happy with qualifying. Judging how to go into the many corners was difficult, because with the wider Hankook tyres, we are considerably quicker than last year. This track with its high kerbstones is very demanding for cars and tyres, but we have good chances going into the race tomorrow.Mattias Ekstrm (Audi): We were having some difficulties with the balance of the car. A good start is important in the race, one can make up many places in the first corner. The tyres have masterfully dealt with the kerbstones. Everyone knows that there is no risk of punctures with the Hankook tyres. When something breaks, it is the car.


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