To say the Hockenheim weekend was wet would be an understatement, but Saturday’s qualifying one went well for the 22-year old Austrian who topped the Aston Martin Vantage DTM cars in twelfth place. However, an engine issue discovered post-session meant the #62 team missed the race as the engine was changed in preparation for day two.
“Of course, it was a shame to miss race one but, you know what? It gave me a real opportunity to witness the dedication, passion and performance from the team,” explained the Greenstorm-sponsored driver. “When you’re in the car, you are so focused on your own job that you don’t always appreciate what is going on in the garage and on the pit wall. I’m not saying I’m happy it happened but not starting the race gave me a new perspective and, of that, I’m grateful.”
On day two, he repeated his qualifying form and started the race from twelfth, just behind DTM race-winner Loic Duval and alongside the fastest Aston Martin Vantage DTM of the day driven by team-mate Jake Dennis. After a great start in torrential rain, and following a brief red flag session, Habsburg pushed hard and made no mistakes to cross the line one hour later in P11.
“That was a crazy race!” said Habsburg who is supported by Austrian motorsport engineering company AVL. “It was fun driving alongside Jake at the start – he’s been a fantastic team-mate to me all season so to take on our final challenge together was cool. From there, it was just a case of balancing speed with control and making sure I ended the season with a clean record of returning the car in one-piece while aiming for the points. It was a shame to narrowly miss out but I’m happy.”
Habsburg joined the DTM series at the start of 2019 and signed with R-Motorsport due to the team’s professionalism and future vision. After nine DTM rounds and the 24 Hours of Spa, he’s happy with his choice and proud to represent the team.
“R-Motorsport has already become home,” he concluded. “The team environment is supportive so you can develop and learn; the professionalism gives you confidence and faith to focus on your own role; and the positivity and future-thinking of everyone around you gives you a sense that there are great things to come. I couldn’t ask for a better team.
“I also couldn’t ask for a more supportive family and personal team around me – they have all been there for me since the start of my career and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Although the DTM season is over, Habsburg will take to the track one more time this year and an announcement will be made in the next week.