Jordan Pepper, a 28-year-old South African driver, secured his first DTM victory at the Norisring, continuing his impressive form after winning the Spa 24 Hours the previous week. He led the race from pole position in his Grasser Lamborghini and described it as the “longest 55 minutes of my life.” Despite encountering a rear-right tyre problem during a pit stop, Pepper had built a substantial enough lead in the first half to maintain his position at the front.
Thomas Preining from Manthey Porsche finished three seconds behind Pepper, while Maro Engel claimed the final podium spot. Nicki Thiim, last year’s Norisring race winner, spun after contact with Engel on the opening lap and finished 20th.
Other notable results include Thierry Vermeulen in fourth, followed by Jack Aitken, Lucas Auer, and Jules Gounon. McLaren driver Timo Glock faced power issues, while reigning champion Mirko Bortolotti struggled and finished outside the top 15 after a heated battle with Marco Wittmann.
Aston Martin driver Gilles Magnus earned the brand’s first points of the season in 12th place, while his teammate Nicolas Baert suffered a penalty for speeding in the pitlane and later collided with another driver, forcing his retirement.
Unfortunately, Fabio Scherer of HRT Ford was unable to start the race due to a qualifying crash. Auer leads the championship standings, with Pepper now just six points behind following his Norisring win. The second race at Norisring is set to take place on Sunday at 1:30pm local time.
