Ekström, Green and Werner thrilled by qualifying pace

Mattias Ekström, Jamie Green and DTM newcomer Dirk Werner claimed the top three positions in the first DTM qualifying session of 2012, representing Audi, Mercedes and BMW.
“A fantastic qualifying session. Being on pole in the new DTM was the best that could happen to us. We hadn’t been expecting summer weather at the season opener. It was warm today and that suited us well. We worked hard and did our homework – that paid off today. The season is just beginning. But it’s great to start this way,” said Ekström.

Green was closest to Ekström, two tenths behind, and is looking to gain one position in the race.
“A respectable start to the new season. Obviously, I would prefer to be going into the new DTM era in pole position, but I’m also very satisfied with a place on the front row. We showed that the car is fast, and I’m sure that we are in with a good chance in tomorrow’s race. I’ve been a part of the Mercedes-Benz DTM family for quite a few years now, and it’s fascinating to watch this race series carry on growing and developing,” said Green.

Werner put BMW at the front of the grid in the German manufacturer’s first DTM race weekend since 1992 and was overwhelmed by the result.
“I am overwhelmed by this result. I think BMW has made a great start to the season. I had a fantastic car in qualifying. That was the key to my success. This is a very special day for me. To be up there at the front of the field in the very first DTM qualifying of my career is unbelievable. When I consider just how hard the engineers and mechanics have worked, this result makes me doubly proud. In the winter, nobody knew exactly how we would fare. Now we have a clear idea. Let’s hope this positive trend continues in tomorrow’s race,” said Werner.