With the pace of the Audi Sport contingent showing the later stages of the second DTM race at the Lausitzring, Mercedes AMG-Motorsport’s Robert Wickens was able to take his fourth successive podium at the Brandenburg-based circuit over the past two years.
Despite having snatched pole position for the race from BMW’s Tom Blomqvist in the dying seconds, it was not enough for the Canadian to convert into his first victory of the year.
“I’d obviously hoped for more after taking pole, but I still finished on the podium, so it’s difficult to be too disappointed,” said the Guelph native, who now moves up into fifth in the standings with 38 points.
“The first stint was fantastic and I thought that I had the race under control, but Audi were really fast during the second stint. I was unable to find a reply. It wasn’t possible for us to pit on the first lap. Our tyres would not have held up long enough.”
It was an unknown for Wickens, who had not yet tried to push the envelope on the new softer Hankook control tyres that are being used this season, as he ended up reacting fairly quickly to the pace Ekström was setting, pitting on lap 16.
“That’s how I knew it would be close. I’ve never driven 30 laps before in one stint on the same tyres, but that’s exactly what I had to do today. Two podiums in one weekend are a great result.
“The championship is only just getting started for me. I would now like to keep it up. Congratulations to VfB Stuttgart on their promotion. I hope I did their colours proud.”
“That was another strong showing for us again this weekend with a win and a P2 yesterday, plus another podium today and P4 for Gary, so we can be satisfied,” admitted Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport DTM, Ulrich Fritz, whose outfit is being closed down by Audi Sport in the hunt for the manufacturers’ title.
“However, it’s a pity that we couldn’t convert pole position into a win. A win for Rob would have been terrific, especially today of all days when VfB Stuttgart are celebrating promotion.”