DTM: Gary Paffett claims victory in Dijon; Bruno Spengler 3rd

Gary Paffett (C Class Mercedes) won the 9th round of the 2009 DTM championship today in Dijon, ahead of teammates Paul Di Resta and Bruno Spengler.

Mercedes had a perfect day with five C Classes in the top 5. With this win, Gary Paffett keeps title hopes alive for the last round in Hockenheim; the Brit now lies second in provisional classification, five points behind championship leader Timo Scheider (Audi), who clinched 6th position in Dijon.

Mathias Ekström lost any chance for the championship today in France. The Swede led the majority of the race, but a blown tyre sent him out of points, witch allowed Gary Paffett to take the lead.

Audi drivers were in trouble today, as Ekström, Kristensen and Scheider suffered from their tyres in the race.

Spengler clinched his first podium finish since Norisring this year. The Canadian driver started from pole, but lost two positions after his first pit stop, then two more when Kristensen and Di Resta overtook him.

Spengler got back in the top 3 after Ekstrom and Kristensen’s tyre problems. Overall, he lost one position in the standing before Hockenheim, and now lies in 5th position.

"I had a good start, but I very soon experienced difficulties with my tyres: the more they turned, the more I lost the rear end of the car. I learned fast I would have to be careful, especially here in Dijon where turns are long and taken fast," explained Spengler to auto123.com.

"A third place is not bad although I would have rather win since we got the pole yesterday. We now have to concentrate on Hockenheim where Mercedes can still win the title."

Race classification:

1. Gary Paffett (Mercedes Classe C 09) – 1h04’38’’472
2. Paul Di Resta (Mercedes Classe C 09) + 0’’834
3. Bruno Spengler (Mercedes Classe C 09) + 1’’055
4. Jamie Green (Mercedes Classe C 08) + 1’’308
5. Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes Classe C 09) + 1’’807
6. Timo Scheider (Audi A4 09) + 2’’239
7. Martin Tomczyck (Audi A4 09) + 3’’260
8. Mathias Lauda (Mercedes Classe C 08) + 4’’021
etc.