Photo: DTM Media

Ekström sets the pace at Hockenheim

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Audi man Mattias Ekström tops the first free practice of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters premiere at Hockenheim today. The Swede lapped the track in 1:32.740, a time that was 0.189 seconds faster than his team mate Tom Kristensen who was second. Third and making it Audi 1-2-3 was Martin Tomczyk, 0.374 seconds behind.

Best Mercedes man was Gary Paffett in the Salzgitte AMG Mercedes team, setting a time of 1:33.162, four tenths behind Ekström’s time.

Fifth was fellow Mercedes driver and countryman Paul Di Resta, only 0.026 seconds behind his team mate.

Oliver Jarvis was sixth ahead of Mike Rockenfeller and Jamie Green. Alexandre Prémat was ninth fastest ahead of Audi Sport Team Abt Lady Power (editors note: longest team name ever?) driver Katherine Legge.

Reigning champion Timo Scheider struggled in the first practice session and was only eleventh fastest, eight tenths slower than Ekström.