Photo: Tamara Aller

Joel Eriksson disappointed to miss the podium on his DTM debut

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BMW Motorsport rookie Joel Eriksson drove a strong race at Hockenheim on Sunday to finish in fourth position, having fought for second position in the final laps as he closed in on leaders Timo Glock and Gary Paffett.

The Swede qualified in third for today’s race and was among the first to change tyres, showing improved pace from yesterday: “We did a lot of work since yesterday because we were missing a lot of pace in Race 1, so I’m really happy that the car is working again,” Eriksson said to TouringCarTimes. “I’m really happy for me, the team and everyone because we could have won the race today. The car felt amazing.”

Eriksson lost a few positions in the initial stages of the race, dropping to seventh place, but was able to recover after changing tyres.

“In the first stint we were lacking a bit of pace. In the second we had for sure one of the strongest of everyone. I had some fights with Paffett but he won. I’m a bit disappointed but it’s my second race in DTM and I’ve finished P4, so it’s ok,” said the Swede.

The Swede was closing in on the leaders toward the end of the races and says that he thought a victory was possible.

“I was doing my own stuff before I saw the guys at the front, I knew my tyres were a little bit older than theirs so, at that point, I wanted to push maximum and try to win the race, but I had to focus on my stint and my plan, managing the tyres. I thought I could win the race but it wasn’t possible, so it was good in the end.”

“I guess I’m disappointed in different ways, I would say. If I would have had better pace in the first stint, it would have been easier, maybe. But it’s not easy to get all things correct and on the spot, but I have to be happy because BMW and the team did a really good job overnight, the car was amazing. It feels really good for Lausitz, actually.”

Eriksson’s debut weekend has placed him sixth in the championship and he is hoping for even more in the next race.

“I’m a guy always aiming high. If you ask a lot of people around they all tell you ‘it’s really good’ but, from my side, I always want to win. But, actually, I’m really happy at the moment, bringing some good points and in P6 in the championship but, as I said, I’m a high aiming guy, so let’s keep pushing for Lausitzring.”