Bruno Spengler tops first practice at the Nürburgring

BMW Team RBM driver Bruno Spengler made the most of changing conditions to set the fastest lap time in the opening DTM practice session of the weekend at the Nürburgring.

Light rain fell on the track during the day, but a heavy downpour took place barely ten minutes ahead of the session, with the entire field taking to the track on wet tyres.

The circuit would dry however as the session wore on, with Spengler switching to slicks before the end – setting a best lap time of 1:26.163 as the chequered flag flew to top the times ahead of Audi Sport Team Phoenix driver Loïc Duval.

BMW Team RMG’s Timo Glock was third, two-tenths off the pace, with the top three drivers being the only ones to switch to slicks before the session drew to a close.

Glock’s team-mate Augusto Farfus was next, followed by local hero Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) and BMW Team RBM’s Joel Eriksson.

Reigning champion René Rast was seventh for Audi after leading in the initial stages, with BMW Team RBM driver Philipp Eng in eighth.

Audi Sport drivers Jamie Green (Team Rosberg) and Nico Müller (Team Abt Sportsline) completed the top ten, over two seconds off the pace.

The session was largely trouble free, except for drivers going off track due to the conditions.

Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline’s Robin Frijns received his third warning of the season after being penalised for driving against the racing direction to recover from a spin, so he will get a five-place grid drop for Saturday’s race.

Action resumes on Saturday morning for the second free practice session at 8:30 CEST.