René Rast was ‘stuck for words’ after a perfect points score in the DTM races at the Nürburgring, catapulting the Audi driver up to third overall in the drivers’ championship standings.
The reigning champion made history with his race two win, becoming the first-ever driver to take home the maximum 56 points on offer in a weekend since the two-race format was introduced.
It means the German heads into the penultimate meeting of the year next time in Austria third overall in the standings, albeit 57 points adrift of Mercedes leader Gary Paffett.
Rast was overjoyed with his second win in as many days, but admitted that it was hard to find words to describe the feeling of becoming the first to achieve the double feat.
“The race was just as hard as it was on Saturday,” said Rast. “I really had to fight hard with the car in the end. But we took the maximum points haul and third place in the championship. It was an unbelievable weekend with two poles and two wins. I’m stuck for words!
“It will be almost impossible to top this in the next races. I was on the second page of the drivers’ standings and now I am in third place.
“Now, we are looking ahead. Everything is possible, and many things can happen. We have closed the gap.”
Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass was equally lost for words, praising Rast for not giving up despite a difficult start to the season which saw him not even take a podium until victory in the tenth race of the year.
“It’s absolutely incredible, I’m speechless as well,” said Gass. “Two wins and two pole positions for René – I don’t know how he does it.
“Obviously, it’s fantastic for René, but also fantastic for Audi. After the difficult start to the season we couldn’t really expect this.
“We never gave up and improved the car little by little within the confines of the limited possibilities that the regulations allow.”