Timo Scheider – da Costa incident ‘no way acceptable’

Audi’s Timo Scheider has described his Hockenheim clash with DTM rookie Antonio Felix da Costa as “no way acceptable.”

Scheider – the 2008 and 2009 DTM champion – had moved through the field from ninth to third in his Phoenix Audi RS 5 DTM, and even after the mandatory pitstop, was on course for a podium finish.

However, Scheider’s strong performance was undone on lap 34. BMW DTM rookie Antonio Felix da Costa – who was having an equally impressive race on his DTM debut – outbraked himself going into the hairpin, and spun Scheider 360 degrees.

While Scheider then dropped to fifth (he eventually finished 9th) and da Costa received a race-ruining drive-through penalty for the collision, Scheider believes the punishment should have been more severe – the incident occurred under yellow flags which were being waved as a result of Edoardo Mortara’s stricken Audi at the side of the track.

“That was completely stupid” Scheider told Speedweek.com. “[What da Costa did] was in no way acceptable.

“In the race incidents can happen, but when there are yellow flags being waved, this is a no-go. What would have happened if there were marshals on the track?

“I think the stewards should have a word with him about this, [and] I hope someone opens his eyes.”

Audi’s head of DTM Dieter Gass was also critical of da Costa and added: “What da Costa did today – rookie or not – simply shouldn’t happen.

“He’s driven many races, so when a car is stationary under yellow flags, he knows what to do.”