Di Resta: Lean spell lasted 'longer than wished'

Mercedes' Paul di Resta has expressed his relief in ending a near six-year victory drought after winning the second DTM race at the Hockenheimring.

The HWA driver's last previous triumph came at the same Hockenheim venue during his championship winning season before moving on to Formula 1 with the Force India team.

Di Resta backed up his fourth position from race one by converting his first pole position since returning to the series into a first win for Mercedes since Pascal Wehrlein's triumph back in Moscow last season.

The former F1-star's seventh career DTM win has given him an early lead in the title race over his Mercedes C63 team mate Robert Wickens in second place.

"It's a long time since 2010 when I won my last DTM race here at Hockenheim - longer than I would have wished. But today, everything went great. We succeeded in controlling the race, and the car ran beautifully.

"Many thanks to my team for having given me this strongly performing car. The dedication shown by the guys is really impressive. That was an absolute top job by the team. They got no sleep last night and yet still managed to give me such a great car. This was their victory.

"I dedicate this win to my son Leo. He's at the track for the first time and I rack up a win. What a great start to the season!"

The season resumes in two weekends time [20-22nd May] at Austria's Red Bull Ring. Di Resta scored the second of his three podium finishes at the Grand Prix venue last season.