Marco Wittmann elated with second DTM title

BMW Motorsport driver Marco Wittmann secured his second DTM drivers’ championship after finishing fourth in Hockenheim, though his lead was reduced to just four points after his chief rival scored his fifth win of the season.

“It’s a great feeling and I’m very happy,” Wittmann told TouringCarTimes. “To be champion twice in two years is a great achievement and we can be proud of the work we have done.”

The race itself wasn’t easy for Wittmann, who was overtaken by his rival for the title, Edoardo Mortara, on lap six, and was then unable to overtake Mercedes’ Paul di Resta late in the race when the Briton snuck ahead on pit stop strategy.

“I focussed on looking after the car and trying to get to the end,”said Wittmann. “I knew I was in a position to get enough points, and just tried to bring it home.”

The BMW driver was the most consistent this season, scoring points in 15 of the 18 races. Despite this, the title went all the way to the last race, with the German relieved after the finish.

“The season has been very intense and tough, Edo fought very hard all year and there were many different winners. So it’s good to have come out on top and be able to celebrate the title.”

The title isn’t the only achievement for Wittmann this year: “I have now become the youngest ever double champion, and I was the youngest also when I won my first title. To be there with the likes of Mattias Ekström, Timo Scheider or Klaus Ludwig is a great honour. I have become a stronger driver this year.”