Dieter Gass, the Head of Audi Motorsport, was left almost speechless after seeing René Rast dominate the DTM Series weekend at the Nurburgring, with the German becoming the first driver to take maximum points away from a weekend since it switched to its current two-race format.
Rast took both pole positions and converted both into race victories, with the defending series champion jumping up to third place in the championship standings as a result, although he is still fifty-seven points off championship leader Gary Paffett with just four races of the season remaining.
Gass was ecstatic to see such a dominant display from Rast, who races for the Audi Sport Team Rosberg squad, which he feels is down to the hard work to improve the performance of the car since the beginning of the season.
“It’s absolutely incredible, I’m speechless as well,” said Gass after the second victory. “Two wins and two pole positions for René – I don’t know how he does it.
“Obviously it’s fantastic for René, but also fantastic for Audi. After the difficult start to the season we couldn’t really expect this. We never gave up and improved the car little by little within the confines of the limited possibilities that the regulations allow.”
The second victory came a day after a superb opening race where Rast managed to hold off the challenge of BMW Team RBM’s Bruno Spengler for the victory, and with three other Audi drivers also in the points, it was a fantastic result of Gass and for the German marquee.
“That was a fantastic race with a thrilling finish,” said Gass. “We weren’t exactly sure whether René was controlling the pace or if he was in difficulties after his pit stop, because Bruno got closer and closer.
“Fortunately René brought the race home. His second victory of the season, pole position and three other Audis in the points. On the whole it was an extremely good day for us.”