BMW Team RMR driver Philipp Eng took his maiden DTM race win in race one at Zolder in only his second year in the series.
Eng, who took his maiden pole for race two at Hockenheim could not contain his happiness at finally taking to the top step of the podium.
“I’m racing endurance races,” explained Eng, “but this was the longest stint of my life!
“The last few laps many things went through my head and I tried not to get distracted.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be within the DTM race winners now.”
Eng pitted on lap 12 and benefitted from the safety car being called out for a duo of stranded R-Motorsport Aston Martin’s.
“We were lucky with the safety car of course as we stopped one or two laps before that.
“It was everything other than a calm race.”
The Austrian passed both Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline driver Nico Müller and BMW Team RBM’s Joel Eriksson after the restart to take the effective race lead.
“I was behind him [Nico] and massively locked up into turn one, and I almost took him out,” Eng admitted.
“Then Joel was very fair in turn four, I saw he was there and we didn’t make contact.”
Despite the close calls, and having to manage his tyres in the closing laps, Eng was ecstatic to take his first win.
“It’s a confidence boost because I know I can do it.
“I was close once or twice in Hockenheim and even Misano last year, but eventually didn’t pull it off.
“Sitting here right now makes me the happiest guy alive.”
Eng also payed tribute to Charly Lamm, a former team boss at BMW in GT racing, who passed away in January.
“I want to dedicate this to Charly, who was a good friend and a special mentor for me on my way to DTM.
“I could feel him with me in the final laps.”