For the first time, Martin Tomczyk accepted the winner’s trophy on a DTM podium in his new role as ABT Motorsport Director: “This trophy goes to the entire team, which has worked hard over the past few months and didn’t give up even after the difficult day here at Zandvoort yesterday. Ricardo and Kelvin both drove strong races. The result is a great motivation for the coming races and our home race at the Norisring in a fortnight. For us, Zandvoort was like a rollercoaster. But we showed that we stand together as a team and are getting stronger.”

The first race on Saturday was disappointing for ABT Sportsline. All Audi drivers lacked speed, several small mistakes added up to a meagre points haul with places twelve (Kelvin van der Linde) and 15 (Ricardo Feller).

Sunday did not start as planned either: both ABT drivers were on fast laps when qualifying was red flagged. While Kelvin van der Linde was unable to improve after the restart, Ricardo Feller managed by far the fastest lap in the remaining three minutes, which secured him the best grid position.

“The team was clever enough to send me straight back to the pit exit after the red flag,” said Feller. “I had a free track and could prepare my tyres perfectly for the one remaining lap while the other drivers were stuck in traffic behind me. In addition, my boys improved the car massively in many details overnight. The race was quite easy. It was just a bit too hot in the cockpit.”

Kelvin van der Linde fought his way up from tenth on the grid to sixth. “The race on Sunday was great, but for me it was a weekend of missed opportunities and very frustrating because I want to fight for podiums and wins,” said the South African. “Nevertheless, congratulations to Ricardo on the first win for ABT this season! This success strengthens the whole team and gives everyone fresh motivation.”