The 25 year old Briton started from fifth place despite an error in the first session. “Something got caught in my eye and I was unable to see much on the right,” he explained.  “That’s why we had to use two trials at the beginning which consequently used up a second set of tyres.  Otherwise, it all went exceptionally well in Qualifying and I was confident of a good race result.”

Having made a good start in the race and initially looking in a good position for a points finish, Oliver soon started to struggle with oversteer and had to make two quick pit stops. 

While the 2009 Audi cars were excelling, race day was a difficult day for the year old models with most of them having problems with the handling.

“As the race progressed, I was wrestling with rear of the car, which was getting out of control.  Ultimately, I was forced to retire with a puncture just three laps from the end of the race which was very disappointing,” says Oliver who shared the same fate as Markus Winkelhock.   Oliver’s team-mate, Alex Prémat also had a disappointing time when he was bumped into the gravel trap by Mike Rockenfeller who subsequently received a 30 second time penalty.

Ernst Moser (Team Director Audi Sport Team Phoenix) commented after the race, “Oliver got off the grid perfectly and maintained his position.  We tried keeping the Mercedes at bay by pitting early but Di Resta and Paffett’s speed was simply too high.  We were just able to keep up with Spengler but he drove Oliver into a mistake and overtook him. Of course, it was a shame to lose both cars (Oliver and Alex) three laps from the end.  We looked sure to have at least two points coming our way.  Now our cars will be five kilograms lighter again for the Nürburgring and we continue to be highly motivated.”