The Dane, who drives a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Mercedes-AMG Team ZAKSPEED, started from third on the grid and had already made good one good position on the first lap. Between then and the pit stops, he was engaged in an exciting two-way tussle for the lead with the Audi of Christopher Mies. After the change of drivers, Sylvest's new team-mate Yelmer Buurman saw the second place safely through to the finish line. It was not only the best result of the season for Sylvest but also his first win of the year in the Junior classification for drivers under the age of 25. The last time he lifted the trophy in this category was in the closing race of the 2016 season at Hockenheim.

"That did me a lot of good," said the Dane. "Because of the absence of decent results, my motivation was starting to dip. But here at the Sachsenring, I feel really good at the wheel of my car. I'm now looking forward to the race on Sunday."

Dutchman Indy Dontje also made a podium appearance for P3 in the general class. The Mercedes-AMG driver was runner-up in the Junior stakes ahead of ADAC GT Masters newcomer Sheldon van der Linde from South Africa in the number 3 Audi R8 LMS entered by Aust Motorsport. The 18-year-old was standing in for the indisposed Markus Pommer and sharing a cockpit with his older brother Kelvin for the first time.

Victory in the Trophy class for amateur drivers went to Corvette driver Sven Barth for the time this season.