Victory in first race, sensational recovery in race two: Wittmann and the Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM deliver stunning performance in Assen

On Saturday, the “Green Machine” crossed the line in first place in Assen.

• Marco Wittmann celebrates third win of the 2019 DTM season on Saturday.

• Impressive catch up from last place to finish second on Sunday.

• Matthias Zink: “This DTM weekend was a real highlight.”

In Assen, Marco Wittmann provided the most successful race weekend to date in the fledgling partnership between Schaeffler and BMW M Motorsport: In difficult, wet conditions on Saturday, he celebrated his third win this year in the Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM. After a technical problem in qualifying, the two-time DTM champion started Sunday's race from the last grid position – but a sensational performance saw him battle his way up to second.

“Today’s setback is tomorrow’s comeback” – these were the words Wittmann had used in a video released by Schaeffler on Wednesday when looking back to his home event at the Norisring, where he missed out on a podium. He made his comeback he had predicted at the ninth and tenth races of the season at the “TT Circuit” in the Netherlands.

“That was an unbelievable race,” said Wittmann after his amazing drive on Sunday. “Saturday went perfectly, with pole position and victory in the race. It was more difficult on Sunday than it had been in the wet during the first race. Tyre management was the key. I never expected to make it to the end without a second pit stop but it worked out. Crossing the line in second place after a performance like this was just mad.”

Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive OEM at Schaeffler, said: “In Assen, Marco showed just what a fighter he is – with a dominant win on Saturday and another outstanding result on Sunday, reaching the podium after starting in last place. His performance was simply sensational. This DTM weekend was a real highlight. At the halfway point of the season, the Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM is right in the battle for the DTM title. The next races will provide plenty of excitement.”

Wittmann is now in third place in the drivers’ standings, with 118 points. He is 40 points behind leader René Rast. There are still eight DTM races to go before the season finale in October.