Lausitzring: DTM safety concept proves itself once again
- Four of the six Audi RS 5 DTM eliminated in accidents, drivers uninjured
- Defending Champion René Rast survives rollover
Audi suffered a Saturday to forget during the third round of the DTM at the Lausitzring: in the opening stages of the race, four of the six Audi drivers were eliminated in accidents from which they escaped unharmed.
“The race result is secondary for us today,” said Head of Audi Motorsport Dieter Gass after the race. “The main thing is that nothing happened to our drivers in the two accidents. It was proved once again just how high the safety level is in the DTM and how safe the Audi RS 5 DTM is. Our teams now have a lot of work so that as many of our cars as possible can make the grid for the second race.”
Audi lost the first two cars on Saturday immediately after the start. Nico Müller (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline), best placed Audi driver after qualifying, remained stationary in his grid position. Jamie Green (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) had no chance to avoid the car and slammed into the back of Müller.
Immediately after the restart, René Rast (Audi Sport Team Rosberg) was touched at the rear by Loïc Duval (Audi Sport Team Phoenix). The in itself harmless touch caused Rast to slide from the track and his Audi Sport RS 5 DTM to somersault spectacularly. The Audi driver was able to climb out of the car unaided and, after a short check in the medical center, return to his team. “I feel surprisingly well and I have no pain. As we can see the car is very safe,” said the defending DTM Champion, who was taken as a precaution to a hospital for further checks.
Since Duval was forced to retire due to front end damage, only two Audi drivers – Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) in 11th place and Robin Frijns (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) in 13th place – made the finish. The second race on Sunday starts at 13:30. SAT.1 broadcasts live from the Lausitzring from 13:00.