Home   Gravesend   Sport   Article

DTM returns to Brands Hatch for first time in five years

Scotsman Paul di Resta secured his second DTM victory of the season when the German touring car series returned to Brands Hatch for the first time in five years.

The former Formula 1 star resisted race-long pressure from Mercedes team-mate Gary Paffett to claim victory on Sunday, adding to his previous wins at the West Kingsdown circuit in 2009 and 2010.

The championship had previously raced on the Indy circuit for eight years from 2006 to 2013, but used the full 2.4-mile Grand Prix track for the first time at the weekend.

Paffett and di Resta go wheel-to-wheel on Sunday. Picture: DTM
Paffett and di Resta go wheel-to-wheel on Sunday. Picture: DTM

In the opening race on Saturday, Spaniard Daniel Juncadella took his maiden championship victory from pole position, beating Brazilian Augusto Farfus by 7.8secs after 41 laps.

But di Resta stole the show on Sunday, recovering from a disappointing result on Saturday to score his 10th DTM career win after passing Paffett around the outside at Druids to grab the lead on lap one.

"The result with 16th place on Saturday was hurtful," di Resta said.

Paul di Resta on the podium Picture: DTM
Paul di Resta on the podium Picture: DTM

"We worked on the car overnight and that paid off.

"Thus, I had a good battle with Gary today, just like in 2010."

Having started from fourth place on the grid, Audi driver René Rast showed a strong performance in the closing stages of the race to take third on Sunday.

The start of the first DTM race on Saturday. Picture: DTM
The start of the first DTM race on Saturday. Picture: DTM

Pascal Wehrlein - who won the title in 2015 before moving to Formula 1 - took fourth place, with Marco Wittmann the best-placed BMW driver in fifth.

Despite being beaten by di Resta on Sunday, Bromley-born Paffett - who took a sixth-place finish on Saturday - still holds the championship lead on 177 points.

“I am very happy with the entire weekend," he said.

"Saturday's points were important. They are making the difference between Paul and myself.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More