Test 2: Alesi strikes back
Jean Alesi topped the times in the second test session for this weekend's sixth round of the DTM at Donington Park in England, reversing the order of this morning's period when AMG Mercedes team-mate Bernd Schneider led the way
Weather conditions were improved for the second session, with the rain finally ceasing with about half an hour of running remaining, but the track never dried sufficiently for slick rubber to be a viable option.
Alesi, who is seventh in the championship after a stuttering start to his campaign, lapped in 1m39.572s, just 0.078s clear of Schneider's best effort. Peter Dumbreck once again impressed for Opel with the third fastest time, despite a time-consuming off at Redgate.
Series leader Christijan Albers was fourth fastest, the Dutchman getting to grips with the sweeping Donington layout. Manuel Reuter showed much-improved form to set the fifth fastest time, ahead of the fourth AMG Merc of Marcel Fassler.
The Abt Sportsline Audi squad didn't have such a fruitful time this afternoon. Christian Abt was the best of the pack down in seventh, with Laurent Aiello ninth and Mattais Ekstrom, who was third this morning, down in 11th.
Mercedes even had two of its 2002 cars in the top 10, with Thomas Jager (Persson) an impressive eighth and Gary Paffett rounded out the top 10 in his Team Rosberg-run car.
Jean Alesi (F) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m39.572s
Bernd Schneider (D) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m39.650s
Peter Dumbreck (GB) Phoenix Opel Astra V8 Coupé, 1m40.252s
Christijan Albers (NL) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m40.401s
Manuel Reuter (D) Opel Astra Coupe, 1m40.423s
Marcel Fässler (CH) AMG Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1m40.495s
Christian Abt (D) Abt-Audi TT-R, 1m40.684s
Thomas Jager (D) 2002 Persson Mercedes CLK, 1m40.695s
Laurent Aiello (F) Abt-Audi TT-R, 1m40.899s
Gary Paffett (GB) 2002 Rosberg Mercedes CLK, 1m40.969s
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