AUTOSPORT’S TOP 10 DRIVERS
Lausitzring clean sweep was foundation of his title bid, van der Linde the only driver to win more than twice. Took his opportunities to score big points when they came and kept out of trouble that dogged his rivals – see Nurburgring.
Reminded everybody of his sportscar prowess with excellent campaign. Missed two rounds on Formula E duty, but scored two wins at Spa and Red Bull Ring and beat AF Corse Ferrari team-mate Felipe Fraga in their qualifying head-to-head.
The form man in the season’s second half, he closed to two points from van der Linde before final race. Would have been champion without Spa race one puncture while second. Shaded 2021 champion
Max Gotz at Winward.
Paddock’s quiet man took HRT seat vacated by champion Gotz and started well with two runner-up finishes. Was never the quickest Mercedes man in qualifying, but raced strongly. First win came at Nurburgring after a typically rapid pitstop.
Back after a year away, the triple champion took time adjusting to GT3 format but grew into the year’s standout
Audi driver. Victorious at Imola, he topped qualifying a season-high four times (though lost one to a penalty).
Boosted his credentials by outshining SSR team-mate Laurens Vanthoor. Chased Preining home for a Porsche 1-2 at the Norisring and followed another second at the Nurburgring by converting pole into victory at Spa.
Lamborghini’s talisman was ultra-consistent in early rounds and led the points at halfway, but eventful Nurburgring weekend dealt a heavy blow to his title hopes. Charge from 16th to third at Imola was one of the season’s best drives.
The best BMW driver in qualifying more often than van der Linde, but the Walkenhorst man’s peaks weren’t as great. Shone at Imola and Norisring before hitting form at Hockenheim, following race one podium by outduelling Rast to win finale.
Bernhard team unlocked Porsche’s pace sooner than SSR at Imola, where Preining nearly took a podium. Things clicked at Norisring to secure Weissach’s first DTM win, and he was unstoppable at a soaking Red Bull Ring.
After a trying 2021 as Team Rosberg adapted to GT3 rules, he ended a year-long victory drought with a dominant win in Portugal, but Abt always had the upper hand thereafter. Imola was his only other podium.