Paffett and Scheider head to head while Bruno Spengler starts 15th

Mathias Eckstrom

It couldn’t have been any closer between the title candidates Timo Scheider (D/Audi) and Gary Paffett (GB/Mercedes-Benz) in the final DTM qualifying of the season at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg.

Behind Swedish Audi driver Mattias Ekström, who claimed pole position, Gary Paffett will be starting from second place, only one position ahead of points’ leader Scheider.

 

Fighting for the title: Paffett and Scheider

Today, we have set the good conditions for victory on Sunday. It will not be easy, but it is a task for the team. In the race, I have to finish first or second while Timo may not be any better than sixth. Only like this, I can make up my deficit.

Becoming the winner in the final round of the season would be nice. We are very positive and optimistic going into the race”, said Paffett after qualifying. Going into Sunday’s final race, reigning DTM champion Scheider has a seven points’ margin.

“Following the disaster in qualifying at Dijon, we wanted to return to our previous performance. I am very happy with third place. We have done everything right and are prepared in the best possible way. In the race, I have to be better than sixth. The weather conditions for tomorrow are not making things easy. Taking too many risks would be stupid. I will try to achieve a good start and survive the first three corners without any contact. I am looking forward to a great finale”, said Scheider.

The big showdown and the tenth DTM round of the season will start at 14.00 h, ARD will be broadcasting live from 13.45 h. The 20 drivers will complete 38 laps at the 4.574 kilometres long Hockenheim circuit, covering a total distance of 173.812 kilometres.

For Ekström, it already was the third pole position of the season. The Swede, who won the DTM title in 2004 and 2007, is third in the points’ standings, but does no longer have a chance of playing a role in the battle for the title.

“Being all up in front is always nice. My goal on Sunday is to have a good start and pull clear out in front. I am happy to have a close view of the battle for the title…preferably in my rear-view mirror. In case I really win tomorrow, that would make me very happy”, said Ekström. Scot Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz) set the fourth fastest time in qualifying.

Tom Kristensen from Denmark will terminate his DTM career after 60 races and 18 podium finishes this weekend. With his Audi A4 DTM, he will be starting fifth into his farewell race. Lining up alongside him will be his fellow Audi driver Oliver Jarvis as the best-placed driver of a 2008 car. Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) will be starting from eleventh place.

Qualifying Result:

 source: DTM