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Winkelhock admits pile-up was his fault

Jo Winkelhock admitted he was to blame for the opening lap shunt that wiped out a third of the DTM grid in race one at Oschersleben

The 1993 BTCC champion's Opel V8 Coupe left the track at the tight, left-handed first turn, careered over a gravel trap, then rejoined in front of the middle of the pack, causing a concertina collision that involved nine cars - six of which were unable to take the rolling re-start.

"It was my mistake, no question," said Smokin' Jo. "I was side-by-side with Manuel Reuter, but in the last few metres before the braking zone, I couldn't see where I was. I locked-up and then turned in late because I wasn't sure where Reuter was."

Winkelhock said that tyre pick-up off the racing line and the amount of dust and gravel already on the track worsened the situation, but still admitted the blame lay with him.

"I have never made a mistake like that in my whole driving career," he said. "I'm very upset with myself and apologise to all of the other drivers involved."

Winkelhock also failed to finish the second race, dropping down to fifth overall in the DTM standings.

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