Prospects did not look good for Connor De Phillippi before the first race at the Sachsenring. Eighth position on the grid would translate into fifth place in the Junior standings. However, a safety car period in the middle of a round of pit stops moved the American and team-mate Christopher Mies up the field in the Audi R8 LMS fielded by Montaplast by Land-Motorsport. Second place overall gave De Phillippi the win in the Junior class.

"Our third second place overall in a row. However, we had to fight hard, because we started from eighth place on the grid, "said De Phillippi. "That was not part of the plan. I got away to a good start and gained a few positions. The first stint of the race was a bit chaotic with lots of safety car periods, but we benefited as a result. We were second after the pit stops, and Christopher (Mies) secured the result at the finish line. My third victory in the Junior class is obviously terrific. Winning trophies always feels good."

Still no change in the Trophy rankings either, as Rolf Ineichen continues to dominate proceedings. Third race - third victory in class. This time, though, not as comfortably as in the second race at Oschersleben when Ineichen also clinched victory overall along with Christian Engelhart in the Lamborghini Huracán GT3 fielded by GRT Grasser-Racing-Team. The pair was unable to finish higher than twelfth overall in the first race at the Sachsenring. Ineichen: "I actually made a good start and then made a mistake. I ran through the dirt and lost five or six places. The car had quite strong understeer. We're trying to find out what's wrong. I think it has to do with the success ballast weight. Unfortunately, it was not possible to finish higher than twelfth overall. My win in the Trophy standings is definitely some consolation."