2 pm: Start of the race. I took off with no hesitation and began to build a nice lead. However, Kristensen’s car soon got bigger and bigger in my rearview mirrors and I could see others right behind him. That’s when I noticed that my car lacked rear tire grip, thus preventing me from really attacking the track. Kristensen increased the pressure but I fought hard to defend my position and he headed toward the pits for his first fill-up.
Unfortunately, despite an impeccable stop of my own, both Kristensen and Di Resta moved ahead of me. Ekström and Paffett were the leaders at this point. I was 5th, which is not exactly what I had envisioned before the race. But then Kristensen got a flat and I wound up 4th after my second pit stop. Ekström also saw one of his tires explode and Paffett stole the victory.
It was an all-Mercedes podium (and Top 5) with Gary first, Di Resta second and myself third. The team still has a chance to win the title in Hockenheim two weeks from now. Everyone worked like crazy and deserved this much success. Sure, I could have been where Gary was standing, on top of the podium, but he had an outstanding race and I’m happy for him.
4 pm: My friend Michel Ratté and his wife had flown from Quebec to see me. We talked at length before I left the track.
9 pm: Back home, at last! The weekend’s over and it was a memorable one. Of course, I’ll try to do even better in Hockenheim!
Thank you very much!
Bruno Spengler
www.brunospengler.com
www.parcomega.com
photo:René Fagnan - Auto123.com & DTM
Unfortunately, despite an impeccable stop of my own, both Kristensen and Di Resta moved ahead of me. Ekström and Paffett were the leaders at this point. I was 5th, which is not exactly what I had envisioned before the race. But then Kristensen got a flat and I wound up 4th after my second pit stop. Ekström also saw one of his tires explode and Paffett stole the victory.
It was an all-Mercedes podium (and Top 5) with Gary first, Di Resta second and myself third. The team still has a chance to win the title in Hockenheim two weeks from now. Everyone worked like crazy and deserved this much success. Sure, I could have been where Gary was standing, on top of the podium, but he had an outstanding race and I’m happy for him.
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| The Canadian leads the race. |
4 pm: My friend Michel Ratté and his wife had flown from Quebec to see me. We talked at length before I left the track.
9 pm: Back home, at last! The weekend’s over and it was a memorable one. Of course, I’ll try to do even better in Hockenheim!
Thank you very much!
Bruno Spengler
www.brunospengler.com
www.parcomega.com
photo:René Fagnan - Auto123.com & DTM