Timo Glock is missing only one point. In the drivers’ standings, the BMW driver is 57 points down on Mattias Ekström. This weekend, 56 points are still at stake at Hockenheim.
Thus, the ex-Formula 1 driver is no longer in a position to win the title this season. And: he wouldn’t be too pleased to see the Swede winning his third DTM title. He would rather see it go to Ekström’s fellow Audi drivers who are currently following in second to fourth place.
“When Mattias has fine-tuned Nico in the right way for this weekend, he has the best chances,” he can’t help but making a knock to his opponent of many years.
“During the last races, he has demonstrated how to maximise it and get it done correctly. At the end of the day, I would be happy to see René Rast, Jamie Green or Mike Rockenfeller winning the title, because they have made it by themselves.”
This season, Nico Müller was often criticised by Mercedes and BMW drivers who accused him of having plotted his strategy to the benefit of ‘Eki’.
Glock himself is looking back upon a successful fifth season in the DTM. He was particularly strong in the races on Saturday. At Hockenheim and Budapest, he finished second.
At Zandvoort, he even won. With 115 points, he is currently seventh in the standings. So far, ninth place in 2013 was his best DTM championship result. “My season had many highs and lows. In my fifth year in the DTM, I wanted to make a step ahead and establish myself in the top five, which I largely managed.”
“I can still make it into the top three when everything runs perfectly. That will be my goal for this weekend,” Glock said.
René Rast is looking back upon a surprisingly good year. The rookie managed to win one race each at Budapest, Moscow and Spielberg and scored a pair of pole positions at Budapest.
“Prior to my first race at Hockenheim, I was really nervous. I couldn’t estimate how fast I am. There were many question marks. Now, I am here for the finale, boosted by three wins. I know that I am competitive. I can win races. I have much less pressure. I have battled for many championships, but I never was as relaxed before.”
“For me, the DTM was a door that was closed for many years. I always wanted to show to everybody that I deserved a seat in the series. The success has made me more relaxed,” Rast reflects.
With a gap of 21 points to Ekström, he is the main rival of his fellow Audi driver. “I am feeling very well in the role of the hunter. Going flat out is my plan for the weekend, there is no alternative. The weather should remain stable with sunny and dry conditions. That is good for our car.”
Paul Di Resta wasn’t able to fulfill the expectations for this season. The Mercedes-AMG driver is currently only tenth with 99 points.
Only in 2014, the Scot ended up in a worse position in the final DTM standings. At least, he managed to win a race at Budapest and scored a pair of podium finishes at the Nürburgring.
“I had many highs and lows and I am not really happy with my season. I always want to win races. But, to be realistic, I want to score a podium finish here. That would make the long winter break easier to handle for me.”
“That would already be a big achievement.” In the battle for the title, Di Resta is expecting Ekström to come out on top.
“Mattias is in a strong position. He is a clever old hand. On the other hand, Lucas Auer also still has the chance to win the title. Making this happen has to be our goal.”