Photo: Tamara Aller

Pascal Wehrlein satisfied with competitive return to DTM

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Mercedes AMG signed 2015 DTM champion Pascal Wehrlein for their final season in the series and the German is happy with his first race weekend of 2018.

Wehrlein became the youngest-ever DTM champion three years ago before moving to Formula 1. Back in the DTM this season, the Mercedes AMG driver qualified in fifth on Saturday to finish in the same position in Race 1 despite issues during his pit stop. Sunday qualifying was worse for Wehrlein who took the 11th spot on the grid, gaining positions to finish sixth in the race, bagging 18 points from the season opener.

“It was a good weekend in general, as I finished in the points in both races, but I feel more was possible,” Wehrlein told TouringCarTimes. “We have to investigate why we kept losing positions with the pit stops, that I had to then fight for again. Anyway, we scored some good points. We have a good car and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

The Mercedes driver returns not only two years older, but also with an important experience baggage after two seasons in F1. Asked how he’s changed since he last raced in the DTM, the German driver said: “I’m still the same guy, probably a bit faster, more experienced and a bit older, but nothing more has changed with me. I still want to fight and challenge for the win, I’m a racer, so nothing has changed in that regard.”

Wehrlein not only missed two seasons in the DTM but the series has also introduced important changes to the sporting and technical regulations whilst the 2015 champion was away, most notably the reduction of downforce ahead of this season.

“I have now completed a racing weekend in my comeback and the feelings have been good so far, so I hope that the situation is only going to improve for the next weekends,” added Wehrlein.

“I don’t really mind the changes in the car, it’s the same for me. I always try to drive on the limits of the car, regardless of whether there is less or more downforce. The key is to drive as fast as you can.”

Mercedes AMG boss in the DTM Ulrich Fritz added: “I think Pascal had a good weekend, he was always on it. He struggled a bit in qualifying, but he also completed very good races. Maybe the strategy wasn’t ideal, but he was completely fine.”