Saturday’s running was hampered by an issue in qualifying one but that didn’t stop Habsburg from showing what he can do in the race. His WRT Audi Sport-run Audi RS5 DTM started from P12 and despite a valiant show to climb through the pack of the world’s best racing drivers, he could only reach as high as P7 before the flag dropped and halted his charge.
On Sunday, the car was perfect and Habsburg had his chance to shine and, in only his second time at the Zolder track, he qualified P4. Knowing that one of his trademark starts could place him in a podium position, he made a smart and bold move into P2 as the DTM cars bowled into turn one. A tap from the back saw him take a trip to the gravel and his bravery was not rewarded this time.
After re-joining the pack in P15, Habsburg’s climb was back on, but bodywork damage slowed his pace. After an hour he crossed the line once again in P7 and his podium hopes were put on hold for another week.
“If you’d told me this time last year that I’d be frustrated with finishing sixth and seventh each week, I’d have laughed,” said the Remus Sport Exhaust-sponsored driver. “But, I know that I’m in the right place to get a podium and it’s in touching distance – I’ve qualified on the front two rows at four events this year. I’m pleased with my qualifying, happy with my starts, I think my race craft is good. I just need everything to come together and I know that it will.”
Just two rounds remain of the 2020 DTM season and Habsburg is determined to end the year with a podium result.
“Am I underestimating how tough it is to get into the top three? Of course not. I know better than anyone how hard this is. But, do I think we are capable of it? Absolutely,” explained the SANLAS-sponsored driver. “The team has made great strides forward this weekend. I’d like to say congratulations to everyone at WRT for getting all three cars inside the top seven today.”
The DTM returns to Zolder next weekend (16-18 October) for the penultimate round of the 2020 season.