DTM: Three drivers for a title

One Canadian and two Britons are in the hunt for the 2012 DTM title with just one race to contest in Hockenheim, Germany.

In the penultimate race held in Valencia, Spengler managed to finish 6th while Paffett was forced into retirement with a broken car. This allowed the Canadian to move only three points down to the McLaren F1 test driver.

Here is the points possibility chart with the current standings and the points awared for each position.


Auto123.com will be on location and will provide live reports from Hockeneheim on October 21.

Let's review the three drivers who still have a mathematical chance of claiming the title.

Gary Paffett (Mercedes C Coupe, British, 32-year-old, 127 points
Paffett dominated the early part of the season and seemed to be en route to the 2012 title. However, he collided with another competitor in Zandvoort, and retired in Valencia. He is now just three pointsd ahead of Spengler.

Gary Paffett, Mercedes C-Coupé. (Photo: DTM)

Let us keep in mind however that the Brit is a vastly experienced competitor as well as a past series' champion. He also easily won the opening race in Hockenheim in April. His Mercedes teammates will likely help him during the decisive race.

Bruno Spengler (BMW M3, Canadian, 29-year-old, 124 points
Few experts expected BMW, making a return to the DTM this season after a 20-year absence to be in the hunt for the title. BMW made stunning progress and captured victory in only its second race at the Lausitzring.

Bruno Spengler, BMW M3. (Photo: DTM)

Spengler then captured two more wins at the Nurburgring and Oschersleben, and took sixth place in Valencia this past Sunday despite a costly drive-through for having jumped the start.

However, Spengler has never won the title before although he's been in the hunt five times in recent years.

Jamie Green (Mercedes C Coupe, British, 30-year-old, 109 points
To win the title, Jamie Green must win the Hockenheim race with Paffett and Spengler not finishing higher than 7th and 5th, respectively. This scenario can happen, because the final race will likely be hotly contested and there will be contacts everywhere in the field.

Jamie Green, Mercedes C-Coupé. (Photo: DTM)

Green did also well in Hockenheim back in April when he finished second, yards behind his teammate Paffett.