Lucas Auer won the DTM’s start of the season in Oschersleben.
The Mercedes pilot, which had gone into the race from pole position, prevailed on Saturday just ahead of South African Jordan Pepper (Lamborghini) and Maro Engel (Mercedes).
The second race will take place in Saxony-Anhalt on Sunday (1.30 p.m./ProSieben), then all pilots have to complete two compulsory boxing stops.
Auer had actually only took second place in qualifying, but then benefited from Ben Green’s disqualification. The Ferrari of the British rookies had fallen below the prescribed minimum weight, Green had to start from last place.
Defending champion Mirko Bortolotti, who is driving for the ABT Sportsline team this season, was only ninth after a mixed qualification. Timo Glock, who has been full -time in the touring car series for the first time since 2021, took 20th place with his McLaren 720S GT3 EVO.
This year, 24 pilots will run in the DTM, with the start of Aston Martin they are spread over nine brands. After the start in Oschersleben, the Lausitzring continues at the end of May.