Rockenfeller Takes Maiden DTM Win At Zandvoort

Mike Rockenfeller scored his maiden DTM victory in the second race of the season at Circuit Park Zandvoort in the Netherlands.

In only his second race for the crack Abt Audi squad, the German moved up from third on the grid to second past the slow-starting Mercedes of Jamie Green. Rockenfeller then took the lead of the race from Bruno Spengler at the first round of pitstops. He produced an error-free performance to beat Spengler by 1.4 seconds at the checkered flag.

“I am relieved,” said Rockenfeller. “Hockenheim was very frustrating after a good qualifying and the poor race. Fortunately, we have found the problem and solved it. The result was a good qualifying and a great race. Today, the foundation was the start, plus two excellent stops and a good pace.”

Spengler finished second, with Martin Tomczyk finding his way past Green to finish third in his older-spec Phoenix-run Audi.

Spengler was disappointed not to convert his pole position into a race win. “Unfortunately, we have given victory away,” said the Canadian. “Up to the first stop, the pace was good and I was able to pull clear from Mike. After the stop, however, Mike was ahead of me and wasn't able to follow him anymore. Nevertheless, it isn't a bad day. Finishing second at Zandvoort is something I haven't achieved so far.”

Green slipped to fourth, with Timo Scheider fifth for Audi. Rookie Edoardo Mortara finished sixth in his Rosberg Audi, just ahead of Maro Engel (Mucke Mercedes). Mattias Ekstrom scored the final point in eighth having made his way up from 16^th on the grid.

Spengler's runner-up spot added to his victory at the season opener in Hockenheim gives him a lead of eight points over Rockenfeller and Tomczyk in the drivers' standings. The next round of the season takes place at the revamped Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria on 5^th June.

Final results after 41 laps: