Lucas Auer makes history at the Lausitzring

Mercedes AMG driver Lucas Auer was the face of happiness and accomplishment today at the Lausitzring, host of the third round of the 2016 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season. The young Austrian had a “perfect” day, transforming his second career pole into his maiden win in the series.

The achievement went far beyond, as Auer’s victory was the first one in the DTM for Team Mücke, racing at home this weekend, and it also marked the first win of an Austrian driver in the series.

Needless to say, Auer was beaming after the race. “It’s a great feeling to finally win a race. After a year learning, making mistakes and learning from them”, the Austrian told TouringCarTimes. “I had a perfect day, it was hard work because the DTM is so competitive and I tried to not make mistakes, because it’s very difficult to recover from them.”

Auer had been on the pace all weekend, and gave credit to his team: “I felt comfortable from the first moment we started to race here. The team is at home in this track and they did a great job. I’m so pleased to give them their first win in the DTM, together we have made history today. It’s great for us and for Mercedes.”

The race was far from easy. Auer explained the critical points: “I started well and was able to do some good laps and open a gap. I was concerned about the pit stop, as something can go wrong and you can lose all the work you have done. After the pit stop, I continued to push. The last laps were difficult, as Ekström was coming fast on new tyres, so I couldn’t relax, you know he can close the gap really quickly. It was tough, I felt like I did 40 qualifying laps today.”

The Austrian has had a bumpy ride in the DTM so far, making his debut at Team ART and being moved to Mücke this year. Despite achieving a pole position in Nürburgring, Auer had a difficult debut season, plagued with poor results. 2016 is being different, but not because of luck: “Last year Lausitzring was a disaster for me. It’s easier when you know it, but that’s like the DTM, it’s a very professional championship and it was tough last season, but now I’m more prepared. It’s great to take that monkey off my back, win a race and turn that corner. I’m very happy today, I’m over the Moon!”

Lucas Auer is the nephew of former Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger, and naysayers have often questioned the Mercedes AMG driver’s ability at the wheel. Asked what he would say to them to day, Auer replied: “Those people have always been there, they think it’s easier to be a professional driver because of your family. What they don’t realise is that, probably, it’s more difficult, because this attracts a lot of negative attention towards me from people looking to say that I’m rubbish”.

“Most people don’t understand how hard it is to be a racing driver, get behind the wheel and be competitive, remain focussed and improve constantly, especially in such a professional championship as the DTM, where the smallest mistake can cost you a lot. Today I proved I can win and be fast, and that’s all that matters”, added the number 22 driver.

Lucas Auer spent the rest of the evening attending the press and the fans: “I’m very grateful to all the people that have helped me and be there for me, and all my supporters. I’m going to enjoy this moment and celebrate, this is an incredible feeling!”

After the Lausitzring round, first with points for Auer, the Austrian lies 11th in the Drivers’ standings, 27 points behind fellow Mercedes AMG driver and leader Robert Wickens.