Hockenheim main: Bernd's blinder

In an action-packed race, littered with accidents, Schneider kept his cool despite two safety car periods and a heavy rain shower. The first safety car was required for a serious crash that befell Jean Alesi, who tangled with Martin Tomczyk and Marcel Fassler on the exit of the hairpin and was pushed into the barriers at unabated speed.

He stepped a little dazed but unscathed from his shattered Mercedes, which flew through the air as it spun around after the huge impact.

A second safety car period was for Martin Tomczyk, who appeared to suffer a puncture at the hairpin and ploughed backwards into Bernd Maylander, wrecking both cars.

Aiello led until a rain shower hit the track, and he pitted a lap too late to stay ahead of Schneider, whose early pit call and sublime pass on Mattias Ekstrom won him the race. After that, he cruised away from the opposition by 2secs per lap.

Ekstrom finished second, ahead of Uwe Alzen, Timo Scheider, Marcel Fassler and new champion Laurent Aiello, who fell off the pace in the wet conditions.


Bernd Schneider (D) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 22 laps
Mattias Ekström (S) Abt-Audi TT-R, +10.0s
Uwe Alzen (D) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, +12.9s
Timo Scheider (D) Holzer Opel Astra V8 Coupe, +18.8s
Marcel Fassler (D) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, +20.5s
Laurent Aiello (F) Abt-Audi TT-R, +22.3s