DTM reigning champion and BMW driver Martin Tomczyk was given a five-place grid penalty ahead of the next race, in Oschersleben, for his move on Gary Paffett during the wet race of Zandvoort.
Tomczyk and Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) were fighting when, on lap 28 at the approach of the Tarzan corner, Tomczyk collided with Paffett, spinning the Brit around.
Tomczyk was apologetic after the race, and accepted both the blame and the penalty.
"My wheel locked as I braked into the corner. I wanted to go round Gary Paffett but didn’t manage it[.] I feel sorry for Gary. I am a fair sportsman and immediately apologized to Norbert Haug, who accepted the apology," said the 2011 champion after the race.
"Afterwards I also went to see Gary. Personally I think the penalty is too harsh, but I accept it."
Paffett, meanwhile, deeply regretted the incident that costed him a potential podium finish since, as a result of the spin, since it meant he finished behind championship rivals Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) and Bruno Spengler (BMW), and saw his lead in the standings shrink accordingly.
"Seventh place is not the outcome I had planned for this weekend at Zandvoort," admitted Paffett. "I was extremely disappointed after the contact with Martin Tomczyk and the subsequent incident when I spun, but at least we did a little catching up in the closing stages to limit the damage."
Tomczyk and Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) were fighting when, on lap 28 at the approach of the Tarzan corner, Tomczyk collided with Paffett, spinning the Brit around.
Tomczyk was apologetic after the race, and accepted both the blame and the penalty.
"My wheel locked as I braked into the corner. I wanted to go round Gary Paffett but didn’t manage it[.] I feel sorry for Gary. I am a fair sportsman and immediately apologized to Norbert Haug, who accepted the apology," said the 2011 champion after the race.
"Afterwards I also went to see Gary. Personally I think the penalty is too harsh, but I accept it."
Paffett, meanwhile, deeply regretted the incident that costed him a potential podium finish since, as a result of the spin, since it meant he finished behind championship rivals Jamie Green (Mercedes-Benz) and Bruno Spengler (BMW), and saw his lead in the standings shrink accordingly.
"Seventh place is not the outcome I had planned for this weekend at Zandvoort," admitted Paffett. "I was extremely disappointed after the contact with Martin Tomczyk and the subsequent incident when I spun, but at least we did a little catching up in the closing stages to limit the damage."