Three-in-a-row for Di Restaposted in DTM17 | 10 | 2010

BATHGATE'S PAUL di Resta won his third DTM race in a row after dominating the latest round at Hockenheim in Germany. The win catapulted him into a three-point lead in the championship with just two rounds remaining.

"Pretty much a perfect day," the 24-year-old, who started fifth on the grid, said today. "We opted to run much longer than the other guys before making our first pitstop, and that really sealed the win.

"Once we'd completed our second compulsory pitstop I continued to open the gap and in the end I was able to back off a bit towards the end and save the car.

"It's a major win in terms of the championship. Moving into the lead with just two rounds remaining is a great position to be, but I'll be taking nothing for granted.

"There are two tough rounds remaining at Adria and Shanghai and, of course, anything can happen. But we have the momentum in the championship and it's crucial we maintain this form through to the end of the season."

Di Resta, who finished 10.532secs in front of the Audi of polesitter and defending champ Timo Scheider, saw his title aspirations further boosted when his nearest challenger, Mercedes team-mate Bruno Spengler, retired after 24 laps.

The Canadian triggered a multi-car accident at the new Turn 4 on lap one when he missed his braking point by a big margin. In the mayhem, several cars then collected the Audi of Miguel Molina, who had been clipped by Spengler on his way through.

Though Spengler initially survived, he was ultimately forced to retire when the suspension damage his car received finally caused his Mercedes to stop.

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Jim McGill