DTM rookies rule at Valencia, title race remains thrilling

BMW driver Augusto Farfus scores maiden win, first podium finish for Adrien Tambay (Audi)Bruno Spengler (BMW) reduces gap to points leader Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz)Hankook competition tyre master test at Valencias new asphalt

The DTM remains thrilling till the end. Prior to the finale at Hockenheim, the battle for the title in the most popular international touring car series is fully open. At this weekends penultimate round in Valencia, the top trio didnt play a role in the outcome of the race. On the other hand, two DTM rookies came to the fore. BMW driver Augusto Farfus, who started from pole position, led from lights to flag to score his maiden DTM race win. Adrien Tambay (Audi) scored his first podium result by finishing second. His fellow Audi driver Mattias Ekstrm made his way up from eighth on the grid to finish third.

From the top drivers, only Bruno Spengler (BMW), second in the standings, scored a one-digit result at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo near Valencia. Twelfth in qualifying, the Canadian immediately made up several places at the start, but was given a drive-through penalty by the stewards of the meeting because of a jump start. Nevertheless, the 29-year old finished sixth in the action-packed race and came within three points from leader Gary Paffett. This weekend, the Mercedes-Benz driver didnt find to his usual form and had to park his car with a technical problem on lap 27. Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz), third in the drivers standings, still scored one point for finishing tenth, but is in the worst position of the three top drivers in the battle for the championship.

For Hankook, the verdict about the ninth DTM round of the 2012 season again is positive. In spite of the new, still slick track surface at Valencia, the Ventus competition tyre provided a consistently good grip level and gave all the drivers a reliably high performance even at an advanced number of laps.

Agusto Farfus (BMW): Winning a DTM race is a unique feeling. I feel somewhat like a child when opening a Christmas present. With the first race win of a Brazilian driver in the DTM, I have been able made a little note in the DTM history books. In the race, I could rely on a strong and safe tyre that has contributed to my victory with its quality.

Adrien Tambay (Audi): It was a tough race for me. I was fighting until the end and I am very happy with second place. The team was very good during the pit stops and the car was incredibly pleasant to drive. For me, the optimal harmony between the car and the tyres was particularly important in the race.


Related Motorsport Articles

84,521 articles