Nick Cassidy had no luck over the weekend at the 2022 DTM Imola round during a weekend where pace looked strong.
Racing for Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse, race one qualifying saw both Cassidy and teammate Felipe Fraga finish outside of the points due to sub-optimal balance with both Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo cars and a power steering problem for Fraga.
Come race two on Sunday, Fraga’s power steering problems were fixed and he managed to score second in qualifying with Cassidy not far behind qualifying in sixth.
But the pair were met with more bad luck during the second race itself.
Cassidy, running fifth, lost out as DTM rules do not allow both drivers to pit simultaneously during a safety car. Albeit, the Kiwi was out front and managed to set the fastest race lap during the second race but finished down in 17th upon its completion.
Fraga’s race two experience was no better even after gaining the lead on the race start but, after pitting during the safety car, he was rear-ended causing him to retire from the race.
Fraga now holds 22 points, which according to provisional standings, stands him at 11th place in the DTM Drivers’ Championship, while Cassidy’s new total of three points puts him in 20th.
Cassidy said “It was quite a solid day, I guess,” in reference to Sunday’s race two.
“The race was running well in P5, looking very strong.”
“Unfortunately, with the Safety Car only one car can box at a time, though we could stay out front, show our speed, take the fastest lap – which is an important point – and be positive about the performance despite an overall frustrating weekend.”
Red Bull AlphaTauri AF Corse holds 11th place in the team competition with five rounds to go.
The next DTM round takes place at the series’ only street circuit at Germany’s Norisring on July 1 to 3.