DTM Hockenheimring: Paffett: This is the best day in my life

Newly-crowned two-time DTM champion Gary Paffett has described winning the 2018 drivers' title, 13-years after his previous championship winning success, as 'the best day of his life'.

The 37-year old took third position during today's [Sunday] second race to win the title by just four-points ahead of outgoing champion Rene Rast, who won the season finale for Audi.

Paffett arrived into the final weekend of the season trailing his Mercedes team mate Paul di Resta by four-points, but heavily outscored the former F1-driver by 26-points over the course of the finale.

Di Resta ultimately slipped to third in the drivers' table behind the Audi of Rast, who won both of the weekend's races.

“It's absolutely incredible. This is the best day in my life. The first title in 2005 came along so soon," said Paffett.

"I’ve spent the last 13 years working to get back to the top. It’s taken a long time, but this year, the team gave me a great car. I've always enjoyed driving it in qualifying. I still can’t quite believe it.

"I was out there on my own for most of the race and had plenty of time to think about the situation. Towards the end, I was thinking to myself ‘Now there are only five laps to go in my DTM career’ and then ‘only 4, 3, 2, 1...’.

"At one point, I almost spun off because of that. But it's a fantastic feeling to have won the title."

Paffett's second title in the series ensured Mercedes would enjoy a fitting end to their 30-year tenure in the championship as the German manufacturer prepares for its upcoming factory Formula E entry in the 2019/20 season.

The British driver's championship win was also his last act in the DTM after 185 races in the series. Paffett is also moving to the Formula E championship for the 2018/19 season as part of his current HWA squad's driver line up.

"I’ve had such a great time with this team. Many thanks to every single member of the team for all the hard work they've put into the car. Anyway, we’ve done it now!”