Nico Müller refutes claims he was protecting team-mate Mattias Ekström

Audi Sport driver Nico Müller was at centre of controversy today as a frustrated Gary Paffett hit out at his tactics to protect team-mate Mattias Ekström as the Swede was struggling for pace.

Müller started the race from the 15th spot on the grid, but managed to stay out of the first lap troubles and recovered many positions. “My start and first lap were OK, I gained a lot of positions and was doing OK,” Müller told TouringCarTimes.

“After my pit stop, I was behind Mattias (Ekström). At first everything was normal and we were racing at normal speed.”

Ekström experienced a loss of tyre pressure in his second stint, lapping two seconds slower than the race leaders. Müller stayed behind his team-mate at Abt Sportsline: “I think Mattias had a problem and, you know, if your team-mate is fighting for the championship and has a problem, you don’t attack him. It wasn’t my intention to protect him, but also I didn’t want to challenge him.”

Mercedes’ Gary Paffett was frustrated with the Swiss as he feels his tactics, especially on the last lap, prevented him from a better result. Müller thinks that what happened was fair racing and a good show.

“That was the reason why I stayed behind Mattias. So yes, Gary wanted to go through, but it’s not normal to give up a position, furthermore to a rival from another team. I think we had quite a good last lap, with a bit of action, and I think the spectators liked it, so it’s all good.”