DTM: Gary Paffett extends the lead with third win of the season

Gary Paffett wins the first race of DTM meeting at Zandvoort Circuit, the fifth round of the 2018 DTM season. It’s the third win of the season for the driver of the #2 Mercedes-AMG C63 DTM and his 23rd DTM victory in a career.

Paffett came to Zandvoort as the championship leader, took the pole position and converted it into a new victory. Four Mercedes drivers were the fastest in the qualifying and then in the race but they swapped positions. Paul di Resta started from P3 and finished in the second place. Lucas Auer started from P4 and took the last podium spot. Pascal Wehrlein was the second-fastest qualifier but lost a podium by finishing fourth.

Robin Frijns was the best non-Mercedes driver, finishing fifth in the #4 Audi RS5 DTM. Four BMW drivers followed from P6 to P9: Timo Glock, Marco Wittmann, Augusto Farfus and Joel Eriksson. Audi’s Jamie Green completed the top 10.