DTM
Gary Paffett Clinches Second DTM Title in Emotional Finale: ‘The Best Day of My Life
Paffett: Today is the greatest day of my life
Gary Paffett, who recently clinched his second DTM championship title, expressed that securing the 2018 drivers' title—13 years after his last triumph—is 'the greatest day of his life'.
A 37-year-old secured third place in today's second race, clinching the title by a narrow margin of four points over the previous champion, Rene Rast, who claimed victory in the season's final race for Audi.
Two-time DTM champion Gary Paffett, who recently secured the 2018 drivers' title, called it 'the best day of his life,' marking 13 years since his last championship victory.
A 37-year-old racer secured third place in today's second race on Sunday, clinching the championship title by a narrow margin of four points over the previous champion, Rene Rast, who claimed victory in the season's final race for Audi.
Paffett entered the last weekend of the season four points behind his Mercedes teammate Paul di Resta. However, during the finale, he managed to outperform the ex-Formula 1 driver by a substantial 26 points.
In the end, Di Resta fell to third place in the drivers' standings, trailing the Audi driven by Rast, who secured victories in both races over the weekend.
"It's just unbelievable. This is the greatest day I've ever had. The first championship in 2005 happened so quickly," exclaimed Paffett.
Over the past 13 years, I've been striving to return to peak performance. It's been a lengthy journey, but this year the team provided me with an excellent car. I've consistently enjoyed driving it during the qualifying rounds. It's still somewhat surreal to me.
Throughout the majority of the race, I found myself alone, giving me ample opportunity to reflect on the circumstances. As the race neared its conclusion, I began to count down in my head, realizing ‘Just five laps left in my DTM career,’ and then ‘only 4, 3, 2, 1…’.
"At one moment, I nearly lost control. However, securing the title is an incredible experience."
Gary Paffett's second championship win marked a triumphant conclusion to Mercedes' 30-year participation in the series, as the German automaker gears up for its debut in the Formula E championship for the 2019/20 season.
The British driver claimed his final victory in the DTM series, concluding his career there after participating in 185 races. For the 2018/19 season, Paffett is transitioning to the Formula E championship, joining the driver roster of his current team, HWA.
"I've really enjoyed working with this team. I'm grateful to each team member for their dedicated efforts on the car. We did it!"
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