DTM - Norisring, June

Although Laurent Aiello (Abt Sportsline Audi) held a substantial points lead thanks to three wins from the previous four races, Schneider was back on form around the streets of Nuremburg. The circuit's high-speed layout played into the hands of his sleek Mercedes CLK, while Aiello had to rely on the nimbleness of his stubby TT-R through the chicane that punctuates the backstretch of the circuit.

Following the mandatory pitstop cycle, Schneider held sway at the front but Aiello was glued to his rear bumper. After five laps in his wake, Laurent made a move at the Station hairpin. It worked, but Bernd relied on all of his 470-ish horses under the bonnet to ease back ahead on the start/finish straight.

The lead would change hands a further four times, but Schneider always seemed to be able to play the trump card of his straightline speed advantage. Aiello's doggedness was remarkable, however. Even when he wasn't passing his German rival, the pressure he was exerting was immense. It was also taking its toll on the Frenchman, however, whose vision of the racetrack was obscured by the Mercedes in front and resorted to mentally forming a picture of each corner as he approached it to keep up his relentless pace.

Ultimately, the race was decided by circumstance. A backmarker spun at the last corner just as the leaders were approaching for the final time. Upon seeing the yellows, Schneider relaxed - his first mistake. The backmarker made a sharp recovery and the yellow flag was withdrawn. Distracted, Schneider outbraked himself slightly, his second mistake, and Aiello - who had clipped the wall at the previous corner - dived for the gap. Schneider desperately attempted to slam the door, but Aiello had already bolted.

After clanging into the side of Schneider's car, Aiello won the sprint to the chequered flag. It might have been just one battle, but it helped him win the war.