ADAC GT Masters·5.7.2015

ADAC GT Masters: Comments after the race: Observations from the paddock after the second of two races at the Lausitzring

Sebastian Asch (#21 Team Zakspeed, Mercedes, Benz SLS AMG GT3), winner: "We cut a reasonably fine figure. The result is perfect, but we still have eight races to go this year. A lot can happen in that time. But now we can take a breather and look back with pleasure on our successes in the first half of the season. Luca handed the car over to me in second place, and I had to push very hard to take the lead. Our pit stop was perfect; the Corvette was then unable to match our speed, and I took over at the front when Wirth made a small mistake. We're delighted that our car was so fast in these extreme temperatures."

Luca Ludwig (#21 Team Zakspeed, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3), winner: "I'm just very happy that our season has been so consistent and has gone without any mistakes so far. We're always well towards the front in qualifying, which is the place to be if you want to post good results. Today's victory was extremely important after missing the podium yesterday, but we must continue to work hard, because we have some tough challenges ahead of us in the second half of the season."

Daniel Keilwitz (#66 Callaway Competition, Corvette Z06.R GT3), P2: "I got off to a great start and was then able to make good use of my new tyres. Up to now, we've always managed to establish a lead in the Sunday races; it would be nice if we could maintain that through to the finish line. But I've previously noticed that our tyres degrade fast, which makes things difficult for Andreas in the second stint. We got as much as we could out of this race."

Andreas Wirth (#66 Callaway Competition, Corvette Z06.R GT3), P2: "The Mercedes-Benz was faster and I couldn't stop him. Daniel had a new set of tyres at the start, but even he was experiencing degradation, and it certainly wasn't any better for me. The Mercedes guys are able to keep up a consistently fast speed. When you look at how things went for us yesterday, I suppose we have to feel satisfied with today's result."

Martin Ragginger (#36 GW IT Racing Schütz Motorsport, Porsche 911 GT3 R), P3: "Today's race surprised us a bit. We had been hoping for a lot more out of yesterdays' race, having started from pole, so we're actually quite pleased with third place today. Klaus put in an excellent first stint, and the team has battled valiantly this weekend."

Klaus Bachler (#36 GW IT Racing Schütz Motorsport, Porsche 911 GT3 R), P3: "My heart almost stopped in the battle with Martin for third place, it was so exciting. I have to thank the whole team, because we fought like lions and earned our reward with a P3. Third place feels like a win to me today. Everything is still possible in the championship."

Lennart Marioneck (#12 Senkyr Motorsport, BMW Z4 GT3), P13: "The bonnet was loose at the start, so the race director told us to pit, which cost us a lot of time. Our speed was OK, so we're pleased with that, but a better result was not possible due to the extra stop."

Remo Lips (#13 RWT Racing Team, Corvette Z06.R GT3), winner, Gentlemen class: "I overcooked it a bit just before the end and skidded onto the grass, incurring a penalty for straying outside the track limits. That resulted in us losing a possible point in the overall standings, but at least I won the Gentlemen class."

Jakub Knoll (#12 Senkyr Motorsport, BMW Z4 GT3), second in Gentlemen class: "We had some problems at the start, but our pace was good afterwards. I'm happy with my performance. Unfortunately, I spun towards the end - that cost me a place."

Sven Barth (#13 RWT Racing Team, Corvette Z06.R GT3), P11: "The start was not OK in my opinion. There was so much confusion at the rear of the field that it should have been stopped. I lost a few places as a result. Still, I posted good times, but unfortunately, points were not possible today."

Marc Basseng (#100 kfzteile24 MS RACING, Audi R8 LMS ultra), P6: "Unfortunately, the manoeuvre with Kelvin during the starting phase went wrong. We barely made contact. It was just bad luck that he got a puncture. I really managed to pile on the pressure to begin with, and we were quick. Our team-mates then overtook us during the round of pit stops. Fifth and sixth are more terrific results for kfzteile24 MS RACING. We were the best Audi team once again."

Jeroen Bleekemolen (#7 Bentley Team HTP, Bentley Continental GT3), P7: "We extracted the maximum and made no mistakes in qualifying or in the race. Much more was not possible. We simply lack a little straight-line speed. I hope we'll have a better chance at the Nürburgring."

Patrick Assenheimer (#69 Callaway Competition, Corvette Z06.R GT3), DNF: "I heard some very strange noises from the engine bay and parked up as a precaution, because I didn't want to risk any damage."