Finally, BMW's Timo Glock had done enough. Having eventually seen off the seemingly never-ending and thrilling battle with Mercedes driver Gary Paffett in the Hockenheim finale, Glock had 17 corners of the near three-mile track to compose himself and decide how to mark his fifth DTM victory.

He chose: "The best fucking racing. Fucking hell, Mercedes, this is why you should not leave this championship, you fucking idiots."

Much to the chagrin of the DTM officials watching, that message was broadcast on every circuit TV and across the world.