Half points given for disputed Lausitz race.

The DMSB has decided to award half-points to the top eight drivers following the third round of the DTM at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz following a controversial race marred by problems with the timing of the safety car.

Analysis of TV and video pictures, as well as timesheets and protocols documenting several 'wrong decisions of the race control' occurred in response to concerns that the safety car failed to pick up the correct car when it was deployed following an accident between Mathias Lauda and Markus Winkelhock.

At the same time though, the result does mean that Mika Hakkinen does remain the winner of the race, with Paul di Resta and Bruno Spengler completing the podium, albeit with five, four and three points each, instead of the usual ten, eight and six.

Although a complete disallowance of the points was considered, it was decided that half-points - and half success ballast for the next round - was the best solution. It means Paul di Resta's championship lead of eight points is down to four, while Hakkinen and Spengler also lose out from the decision as Lausitz marked some much needed first points of the season.