Marco Wittmann takes DTM points lead after solid Norisring

A fourth and a sixth at the Norisring was enough to propel Team RMG’s Marco Wittman into the lead of the DTM standings, and provide a satisfying end to a weekend racing in front of his home crowd.

Wittmann struggled in Saturday qualifying and lined up only 13th for the shorter of the two races, but a combination of good pace and incidents in front of him enabled him to make up nine positions by the flag.

Sunday was another case of forward progress, with Wittmann starting 10th and advancing four places by the end. He now has 75 points in the standings, two ahead of Audi Team Abt Sportsline’s Edoardo Mortara and five ahead of Mercedes Team HWA’s Paul di Resta.

“For us it was a great weekend. The target was to score as many points as possible and not to lose too many points in the championship. That we lead the championship standings is something special,” Wittman told TouringCarTimes.

“Of course we were a bit lucky as other drivers made mistakes on Saturday and Sunday, but that’s not in our hands. We will take it.”

Wittman was also pleased to have secured such a strong showing on a circuit which wasn’t expected to favour the M4 DTM, and is confident heading into the next round at Zandvoort.

He added: “I think we made the most out of it. I think it was clear that Norisring would be tough as it is not our strongest track. It doesn’t suit the BMW, same as Lausitzring.

“[Zandvoort] should be better for us. We should not be thinking we will win easily as the other makes will be strong, but it is a good track for us and for me as well. I’ve had good success there in the past.”