Photo: Tamara Aller / TouringCarTimes

Maxime Martin is the DTM’s quiet man

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BMW driver Maxime Martin continues to be the only driver in the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season to have scored points at each race this year so far, after finishing in ninth place today at the Lausitzring, host of the third round of the season.

Asked about his secret, the Belgian referred to his approach to the races. “I try to drive clean races, focus on staying out of trouble, remaining calm and not getting involved in any incidents” Martin said to TouringCarTimes. “I always try to finish, and then is easier to score points. Today I was ninth, it’s not big points, but every point is important and I hope to continue scoring tomorrow.”

Martin had a long career in GT racing before coming to the DTM. Asked how this impacts his driving in the Series, the Team RBM driver said: “I have a lot of experience in other series, which gives you a lot of insight in how to look after the car, what works and what doesn’t, and I think that has an influence in my approach to the races.”

The BMW M4 DTM was significantly lighter than the Audi today in the race, a difference that will be carried onto tomorrow’s qualifying. Martin thinks the team will have a good chance in qualifying: “We are fast at one lap, and with less weight we can expect to be a bit faster. It would be nice to be in more important positions, but every result adds up and we are there in the championship. So I’m happy with how it’s going and I hope to get another result tomorrow.”

The Belgian was moved to Team RBM this year after two seasons at RMG. Martin’s approach to racing is unaffected by the change: “Sometimes it can be tricky to come into a new team, but we are getting along well and working hard, and the results keep coming. The important thing is to continue to work together towards achieving better results and fighting for the points and good positions in the championship. So yes, it’s being good and I’m happy with it.

Maxime Martin is now fifth in the standings, just eight points behind fellow BMW driver Marco Wittmann, being the second best man for the Bavarian manufacturer in the championship.