Audi's RS5 Stars in DTM

It’s been the start of what many hope will become a great new era for DTM, the weighty gas-guzzling V8s making way for streamlined punchy 2-litre turbos. Aston Martins and BMW both taking the challenge that Mercedes felt it couldn’t, but it’s Audi that once again won in style, this time at the Lausitzring, the resulting points score also delivering the coveted manufacturers’ title (with four races still remaining).

Britain’s Jamie Green, for Audi Sport Team Rosberg, delivered a stunning pole position lap at the Brandenburg circuit but it was Abt Sportsline’s Nico Müller who raced to victory in race 1, followed by championship leader, René Rast who made it a spectacular weekend for the Auto Union by taking the flag in race 2, the result being all the more significant as it was also a celebration of DTM’s 500th race.

Müller and Rast now look set to go head-to-head in the title race showdown with close encounters likely at both the Nurburgring next month and then again at Hockenheim in October’s season finale. Right now, Rast looks every inch the champion in waiting, seeking to regain the crown he won in 2017, and then lost the following year, but don’t underestimate Müller; the Swiss driver has now scored six consecutive podiums (including this win) and is undoubtedly growing his status with every race.

But for now, the champagne belongs to Audi; it’s 1,000 hours of dynamometer testing producing an engine that just keeps on thrilling, for race, after race, after race.