First free practice: Dumbreck fastest

Dumbreck's AMG-run Mercedes posted a time of 1m20.032s around the undulating east German circuit, edging Michael Bartels' Opel by 0.117s. It was a confidence-boosting performance for the Scot, who has dropped to eighth in the DTM standings after a fraught Norisring.

"I can't think of a better way of starting the weekend than being quickest," he said. "But it's only practice - the real business starts this afternoon in qualifying."

The DTM's other Brit, former McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Darren Turner, was also among the front-runners. His AMG Mercedes ended the session fifth fastest, just 0.346s off Dumbreck, despite brake problems and a trip into the gravel.

"I feel a lot more confident with the car now," said Turner. "I reckon I could have done a 1m20.1s, but I had the small brake problem, hence the trip into the gravel."

The drivers get one more free practice session before this afternoon's single timed session (1300 BST).



1 Peter Dumbreck, Mercedes, 1m20.032s
2 Michael Bartels, Opel, +0.117s
3 Uwe Alzen, Opel, +0.187s
4 Klaus Ludwig, Mercedes, +0.303s
5 Darren Turner, Mercedes, +0.346s
6 Manuel Reuter, Opel, +0.393s