DTM: Augusto Farfus claims maiden win in Valencia

Augusto Farfus (BMW) took his first DTM victory ever in Valencia, as Bruno Spengler (BMW) inched ever closer to championship leader Gary Paffett despite a drive-through penalty.

Tension was high before the start of the race, as the three championship contenders, Gary Paffett (Mercedes), Bruno Spengler (BMW) and Jamie Green (BMW) started from the back of the field, 16th, 12th and 18th, respectively.

While pole sitter Augusto Farfus pulled clear in front at the start, Gary Paffett collided with Joey Hand’s BMW, and damaging the front of his C-Coupe.

From there on, the Brit was never on pace, and ran at the back of the field for the main part of the race. In the end, he was even forced to retire. Jamie Green too struggled aboard his Mercedes, but managed to take 10th position at the finish line.

Bruno Spengler meanwhile fared very well. After a good start from his 12th spot on the grid, the Canadian driver quickly reached the top 10. His progress was then slowed down by a drive through penalty for jumping the start (his car moved a little on the starting grid). He dropped down the order again.

But Spengler was not done yet, as he would prove with a great comeback. In the end, he took 6th position, which allows within only three points of championship leader Gary Paffett, with only one race remaining.

Adrien Tambay (Audi) had a great day, finishing second ahead of Mattias Ekström. Swiss female driver Rahel Frey was also impressive in her Audi, taking 7th position after a great fight with BMW drivers Andy Priaulx and Dirk Werner.

Robert Wickens (Mercedes) was not lucky in Valencia. The driver from Ontario was caught in an accident at the start, before he went off and hit the tire barriers quite heavily few moments later.

Valencia – Race :
1. Augusto Farfus (BMW) 46 laps in 1h08’22’’522
2. Adrien Tambay (Audi) +8’’406
3. Mattias Ekström (Audi) +8’’967
4. Filipe Albuquerque (Audi) +23’’067
5. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) +28’’066
6. Bruno Spengler (BMW) +39’’831
7. Rahel Frey (Audi) +48’’318
8. Andy Priaulx (BMW) +49’’562
9. Dirk Werner (BMW) +58’’327
10. Jamie Green (Mercedes) +1’10’’596
Etc.

Championship :
1. Paffett 127 points, 2. Spengler 124, 3. Green 109, 4. Rockenfeller 85, 5. Ekström 81, etc.