DTM: Martin Tomczyk penalised for spinning Gary Paffett at Zandvoort

The pair were battling over fourth as rain fell on the circuit on lap 28. Heading into Tarzan Tomczyk went inside Paffett, pushing the Mercedes driver wide and leaning on him enough to cause the HWA car to spin.

While Paffett .

After the race, stewards deemed Tomczyk to have 'caused an avoidable incident' and decided to penalise him five places on the Oschersleben grid.

"Personally I think the penalty is too harsh, but I accept it," Tomczyk said. "I am a fair sportsman and immediately apologised to Norbert Haug, who accepted the apology. Afterwards I also went to see Gary.

"My wheel locked as I braked into the corner. I wanted to go round Gary, but didn't manage it. This incident came about as a result of the conditions. There had already been a few excursions from the wet track shortly beforehand."

Paffett told AUTOSPORT: "We came onto the straight and it was raining already. Eki [Mattias Ekstrom] braked pretty early ahead of me and I braked when he braked.

"I got turned into by Martin and he kept pushing me until I turned around. It's a big mistake from him and it's cost me a certain podium; maybe even a win."