It had been a disappointing qualifying to start the DTM Series for Mike Rockenfeller, the 2013 champion was only able to set a time good enough for 16th place – leaving him with a lot to do from there.
“From 16th on the grid, that couldn’t be expected. We deployed all our skills. The strategy was great and we also had a little fortune. I don’t mind taking these points home.”
It was the first time Rockenfeller had taken to the podium since he won in Moscow back in 2015, with fourth place in Hungary his best result since then.
The entire Audi Sport squad had a difficult start to the 2017 campaign, with Nico Muller being the only driver to have qualified within the top ten.
“After qualifying on Saturday, all of us were shocked at first. But in the race we were able to show our strength. The car really ran well at Hockenheim. Obviously, driving from 16th to third was great for me.”
It was a much better day for the Ingolstadt team on the Sunday, as Audi and BMW both posed a bigger challenge for Mercedes.
“On Sunday, free practice and qualifying really went well too. Even pole position was possible but P5 was great as well. I had a good start, was in third, and thought that I was in contention for victory, but then everything was different after the restart.
“In view of the threat of rain, my early stop was also less than perfect. At least, I still managed to clinch position seven. We learned a lot, I was fast on a dry and a wet track. That’s why I’m already very much looking forward to the next races.”
