DTM 2013 [Αρχείο] - BMW-Motorsport.gr

BMW Power

25-01-13, 08:40

BMW Motorsport completes first DTM test of the year.

24.01.2013

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Valencia (ES) 19th January 2013. BMW Motorsport, BMW Bank M3 DTM.

Valencia (ES), 24th January 2013. BMW Motorsport has successfully completed the first DTM test week of the year in Valencia (ES). Between Tuesday and Thursday, BMW works drivers Bruno Spengler (CA), Augusto Farfus (BR), Andy Priaulx (GB), Martin Tomczyk (DE) and Marco Wittmann (DE) were on duty at the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM. Only on Thursday morning did heavy rain interrupt the test programme.
Timo Glock (DE), who has 91 Formula One starts to his name, and BMW Sports Trophy winner Thomas Biagi (IT) were making their debuts in a DTM car. Biagi received the test as reward for his first place in BMW’s privateer competition in 2012. Newcomers BMW Team MTEK also took to the track for the first time in Valencia.
The tests at the 4.005-kilometre “Circuit de la Comunitat” heralded the start of the hottest phase of preparations for the new DTM season, in which BMW Motorsport will line up as defending champions in the driver, team and manufacturer competitions. The first race will take place in Hockenheim (DE) on 5th May 2013.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“Everyone at BMW Motorsport and all of our teams were desperately looking forward to the first test of the year. Our new team, BMW Team MTEK, enjoyed its first outing and Marco Wittmann took to the track as a regular DTM driver for the first time. Furthermore, Timo Glock and BMW Sports Trophy winner Thomas Biagi also made their debuts at the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM. That was a successful start to our preparations. However, we still have a lot of work ahead of us before the DTM season-opener on 5th May. At any rate, it is nice the new season is gaining momentum.”
Bruno Spengler:
“As soon as I stepped out of the plane in Valencia, I was immediately looking forward to getting back in the car after the long break. It was a very special feeling to drive out of the garage with the number one on my car for the first time. On the opening few laps it felt as though I had never got out of the car after the 2012 finale in Hockenheim.”
Augusto Farfus:
“It is good to be back in the car after such a long time. I can hardly wait for the season to finally get underway. The test in Valencia was very productive, even though we were not able to take full advantage of the time due to the heavy rain on Thursday morning.”
Andy Priaulx:
“It is just nice to be back behind the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM. I finished the 2012 season with a good result in Hockenheim, and I would obviously like to continue where I left off in the new season. The test here in Valencia was a very promising start.”
Martin Tomczyk:
“The BMW M3 DTM feels just as good as it did last season. Although the test programme was affected a bit by some gusty winds, we were able to try everything we wanted. I am very confident and looking forward to the next stage of our preparations.”
Marco Wittmann:
“The first test went well. I am happy and am delighted to have made my debut as a regular driver in the BMW M3 DTM. The car does not feel any different to drive than the one I had last year as test and development driver. However, the prospect of lining up with this car at a DTM race in Hockenheim in May made this first outing rather special for me.”
Timo Glock:
“My first impressions of the BMW M3 DTM were very positive. It did not take me long to get used to the car, and I came to understand it better with every lap. The fact that we were able to test in all conditions, from wet to dry, was perfect. I have been given a sensational welcome by everyone in the BMW Motorsport team, and even knew a few people from my time as a test driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team.”
Thomas Biagi:
“Ever since I first heard that BMW Motorsport was returning to the DTM, I have dreamed of one day driving this BMW M3 DTM. That dream came true today. I knew I would enjoy this moment. But now, after 66 laps at the wheel of this unbelievable car, I’m simply speechless. I would like to say a big thank you to BMW Motorsport for giving me this chance, and for the great support that privateers like me receive through the BMW Sports Trophy.”

BMW Power

25-01-13, 08:41

BMW Motorsport completes first DTM test of the year.

24.01.2013

BMW Power

25-01-13, 08:52

BMW Sports Trophy winner Thomas Biagi enjoys DTM taster.

24.01.2013

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Valencia (ES) 24th January 2013. BMW Motorsport, Thomas Biagi (IT) on Martin Tomczyk`s BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM.

Valencia (ES), 24th January 2013. Thomas Biagi (IT) received his prize for winning the 2012 BMW Sports Trophy in Valencia (ES): in sunshine and 16 degrees Celsius, Biagi completed a total of 66 laps in the BMW M3 DTM on Thursday. BMW Motorsport presented this unique driving opportunity, along with a cheque for 30,000 Euros, for the first time last year as a reward for finishing first in the traditional privateer competition.
“Through their international commitments, privateers like Thomas Biagi are such excellent representatives of BMW in motor racing that it is an honour for us to give something back to these ambassadors,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Our return to the DTM gave us the opportunity to reward the winner with a drive in a thrilling car like the BMW M3 DTM, as well as a healthy amount of prize money. The chance to take to the track in a BMW M3 DTM was an extra motivation for everyone who entered the 2012 BMW Sports Trophy. Thomas did a good job. He was able to get an accurate impression of just what our DTM car is capable of.”
The outing at the “Circuit de la Comunitat” was a unique experience for Biagi, who won the 2012 Italian GT Championship in his BMW Z4 GT3. “Ever since I first heard that BMW Motorsport was returning to the DTM, I have dreamed of one day driving this BMW M3 DTM,” said Biagi. “That dream came true today. The BMW M3 DTM is an amazing machine. I knew I would enjoy my time here in Valencia. But now, after 66 laps at the wheel of this magnificent car, I’m almost speechless. I would like to say a big thank you to BMW Motorsport for giving me this chance, and for the great support that privateers like me receive through the BMW Sports Trophy.”
The BMW Sports Trophy enters its 52nd year in 2013. Privateers from around the world can submit their race results to BMW over the course of the season. They then receive points towards the privateer competition and, depending on how successful they are come the end of the year, may be honoured as one of the season’s top 25 BMW Sports Trophy participants. In total, BMW Motorsport presents a prize purse of 250,000 Euros.
Biagi came through against 242 fellow participants in 2012, and was rewarded for his efforts with the drive in the BMW M3 DTM. In 2013, as well as the prize money, support and acknowledgement of BMW Motorsport, the top BMW privateer can once again look forward to a very special driving experience in the BMW M3 DTM.

BMW Power

25-01-13, 12:40

Timo Glock returns to the BMW family.

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Timo Glock will line up for BMW Motorsport in the DTM in 2013. This completes the squad of drivers for the new season. Alongside Glock, reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler, Augusto Farfus, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx, Martin Tomczyk, Dirk Werner and Marco Wittmann will take their places behind the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM.

“We are delighted to have Timo Glock back at BMW Motorsport,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Over the course of his career, Timo has proven on more than one occasion how valuable he is to any team, thanks to his driving ability and open manner. The fact that he is now returning to the BMW family six years after leaving his role as test driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team makes this appointment all the more pleasing. I am confident Timo will take no time at all to find his feet in the DTM and will give the fans a lot of pleasure.”
Glock started out on his racing career in the Formula BMW junior programme. In 2000 he won the BMW ADAC Formula Junior Cup, and one year later added the Formula BMW ADAC Championship to his collection of titles. In 2004, at the age of 22, he made his Formula One debut at the Canadian Grand Prix. Glock then switched to the North American ChampCar World Series in 2005, where he finished eighth overall and was named Rookie of the Year. After returning to Europe, Glock lined up in the GP2 series – and won the title at the second attempt in 2007.
In the same year he returned to BMW for the first time since his ‘apprenticeship’ in Formula BMW. Alongside three-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel (DE), Glock took to the track as test driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. He used this as a springboard to secure a regular driving spot in the Toyota F1 Team in 2008. Glock claimed three podiums for the Japanese team before switching to Virgin Racing, now known as the Marussia F1 Team, in 2010. In total, Glock has 91 Formula One Grands Prix to his name.
“It is very exciting for me to drive for BMW again after all these years – and in such a top-class racing series as the DTM,” said Glock. “I had a fantastic time in Formula One, but am now looking forward to battling for victories again with my old friends at BMW Motorsport. That is the approach I shall be taking to the challenge of the DTM. I am obviously aware I will have to adapt to a few areas. Not all former Formula One drivers have found their feet immediately in the DTM. But I am using precisely that as my motivation. After winning the title in such impressive fashion last year, there can be absolutely no question that the BMW M3 DTM has everything it needs to allow us to compete at the front of the field again in 2013.”
The tests in Valencia (ES) on Wednesday and Thursday presented Glock with the opportunity to gain his first experience at the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM, and the German impressed immediately. Over the coming weeks and months he and his seven fellow drivers will prepare intensively for the 2013 campaign. As is tradition, the season gets underway in Hockenheim (DE) on 5th May 2013.

BMW Power

25-01-13, 12:44

Timo Glock: “I am really up for the DTM.”
Timo Glock is returning to the BMW family after five years as a driver in Formula One. In an interview, he talks about his motives behind the move, the challenge he faces as a former Formula One driver in the DTM, and his special relationship with BMW.

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Timo, what impression did the BMW M3 DTM make on you in Valencia?
Timo Glock: “As someone who has spent many years driving in single-seaters, it was obviously very different for me to suddenly find myself in a car with a roof over my head. Fortunately the BMW M3 DTM made it very easy for me to adapt. The same goes for the members of the BMW Motorsport team, who welcomed me with open arms. I still recognised a lot of faces from days gone by, so I immediately felt at home. It was great fun. However, I also know that I must still work hard in order to get a real feel for how to push a DTM car to the limit. The test was a good start. I felt very comfortable from the word go.”
During your time in Formula One, did you always keep an eye on what the BMW family was up to?
Glock: “I obviously followed BMW’s motorsport activities. Firstly, as a result of my sporting history with the BMW family, during which I was crowned Formula BMW ADAC champion and went on to be a test driver in the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Secondly, because I regularly came into contact with BMW right from an early age. My father always drove BMWs and, as a kid in the 1980s and 1990s, I always had my fingers crossed for Steve Soper, Johnny Cecotto and co in the DTM.”
What did BMW do for your career?
Glock: “BMW allowed me to make the step up from karting to single-seater racing. The powers that be recognised my talent back then. They supported me and, in doing so, set me up for the rest of my career. Without BMW I would not have had the financial means to work my way through the junior ranks. I have not forgotten that. That is another reason why I have always had a connection to BMW. I bought myself a BMW and even asked to drive a BMW M5 for the Formula One taxi rides in Hockenheim, as it is such a great car. I just find it a class brand.”
Having spent a long time driving in Formula One, what is your source of motivation in the DTM?
Glock: “It was not always easy to spend three years in Formula One regularly watching other drivers from behind who were sometimes doing a worse job than me, but were still way ahead as they were in better cars. You want to finally be back challenging at the front of the field again and are hungry for good results. This hunger became more intense over the winter. Now is the right time for me to make a change. I am really up for the DTM.”
In the DTM, you can make a difference again as a driver …
Glock: “Precisely. Whatever happens, that is what I will be trying to do together with the members of the BMW Motorsport team. I am well aware I cannot immediately be the fastest in what is an extremely strong DTM field. However, I am determined to learn everything I need in order to be successful in the DTM.”
What makes the DTM so attractive?
Glock: “The strength in depth at the top of the DTM is fascinating. Every qualifying and every race comes down to a few thousandths of a second. It is a similar story among the very top teams in Formula One, but the difference in performance between the teams is much greater. My team-mate was essentially my only reference point. I am now putting myself under pressure to prove myself in a far more evenly balanced field. I know Formula One drivers have rarely been able to make an impact in the DTM. I want to prove I am different and will at some point be challenging for victories. Only time will tell whether or not I achieve this. I am certainly not lacking in motivation.”
What goals have you set yourself for your debut season in the DTM?
Glock: “Even though I will initially have an awful lot to learn, I would obviously like to be in the points and, where possible, challenge for podiums. Augusto Farfus showed in 2012 what can be achieved as a rookie. That is driving me on. I want to get the very maximum out of my package and claim the best results possible for BMW.”
How much are you looking forward to being so close to the fans in the DTM?
Glock: “Very much. I came to love the proximity to the fans during my year in the USA in 2005. That proximity is also present in the DTM. Formula One, in which the drivers are always very isolated from the outside world and can rarely give anything back to the fans, could learn a thing or two from the way the DTM is so open to its fans.”
You will only line up at ten races in 2013, as opposed to the 20 you have become accustomed to. How will this change your everyday routine?
Glock: “When you are a potential winner in Formula One, it is no problem to spend three or four weeks in a row on the road. However, when you don’t have any great prospects, the stress really takes its toll on your body. That will be a little less in the DTM, but I still expect a tough and intense year. I will spend every minute between races thinking about how I can improve and be as well prepared as possible.”

BMW Power

30-01-13, 14:35

Timo takes a trip to the museum.
Four days after announcing his move to the DTM, Timo Glock has made his first appearance as a BMW works driver. He answered journalists' questions - and took the time to check out some fascinating BMW vehicles - at the BMW Museum.

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BMW Power

01-02-13, 12:52

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BMW Power

05-02-13, 15:00

A new era.
From 2013, DTM weekends are set to become even more intense for fans, drivers and teams. Free practice, qualifying and the race will now take place over just two days.

This change heralds a new era for the DTM. The engines in the eight BMW M3 DTMs will no longer be fired up for the first time on the Friday, but will have to wait until Saturday’s free practice. After that, the drivers and teams will have just 90 minutes, in which to set the car up for qualifying, which generally begins at 14:40. The races in the popular touring car series always get underway at 13:30 on the Sunday. The ARD will continue to broadcast all the races live.
The new schedule will come into force for the first time at the season-opener in Hockenheim on 5th May. The calendar then includes another nine races, four of which are to be held outside of Germany. As well as familiar circuits like Brands Hatch (19th May), Spielberg (2nd June) and Zandvoort (29th September), the DTM will also travel to Russia for the first time in the its history. The series will make its debut at the “Moscow Raceway”, on the outskirts of the Russian capital, on 4th August. Besides the season-opener and finale in Hockenheim (20th October), fans in Germany will once again be able to cheer on their heroes at the Lausitzring (16th June), the Norisring in Nuremberg (14th July), the Nürburgring (18th August) and the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (15th September).

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BMW Power

05-02-13, 15:01

BMW Motorsport at the “Ball des Sports”.
DTM champion Bruno Spengler and Martin Tomczyk joined BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt as representatives of the BMW DTM teams at Saturday’s “Ball des Sports” in Wiesbaden.

As you would expect, they pulled up in a BMW M3 DTM Safety Car – a sure-fire way to turn heads on the red carpet.
The DTM traditionally plays a key role in the most successful sport-related fund-raising event in Europe, which raises money for the “Stiftung Deutsche Sporthilfe”. The rather appropriate slogan for the 43rd staging of the gala evening was “Symphonie der Räder” (Symphony of Wheels). Besides the official proceedings, the 1,800 guests, including stars from the world of sport, entertainment and key political figures, were able to go head to head in a number of activities.
Marquardt, Spengler and Tomczyk showed their skills in archery, hockey and curling. After the official part of the evening, the DTM invited the guests to the “DTM Race Club” after-show party.
“The ‘Ball des Sports’ is always a fantastic spectacle. I had great fun there again", Tomczyk said. "That was my sixth time. On the one hand, it is obviously great to support the charity behind this event. On the other hand, I think it is great when so many sportsmen and women meet up and celebrate together.”
“Yes, I really enjoyed myself too", Spengler said. "The show on the stage was excellent. The programme at the ‘Ball des Sports’ is fantastic every year. I was then able to take a look around and met a lot of sportsmen and women, which is always great.”
Tomczyk admitted: "I accidentally tore my trousers while curling."

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BMW Power

05-02-13, 15:02

Driver/team pairings for 2013 announced.
Having completed a sensational return to the DTM last season, which culminated in the winning of all three titles, BMW Motorsport has mainly stuck to its winning formula in allocating its eight drivers to the four teams for 2013.

Therefore, BMW Team Schnitzer – 2012 Team champion – will continue to line up with the proven combination of DTM champion Bruno Spengler and Dirk Werner. Augusto Farfus remains with Belgian outfit BMW Team RBM for another season, while Martin Tomczyk will once again do battle for BMW Team RMG.
The only change concerning the six successful drivers who were instrumental in winning the manufacturers’ title for BMW last year sees Andy Priaulx swap seats with Joey Hand. Three-time World Touring Car Champion Priaulx will drive for BMW Team RMG in the future, while Hand will race for BMW Team RBM. At the wheel of the two BMW M3 DTMs run by the newly formed BMW Team MTEK will be Timo Glock, whose move from Formula One was confirmed recently, and Marco Wittmann, who has been promoted to a regular driver from his role as test and development driver.
“With BMW Team MTEK, we will have even more strength in numbers in the future, which can only be advantageous in such a close series as the DTM. There are obviously some operational challenges when it comes to integrating a new team into an existing structure. However, we are confident we have done just that,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Timo Glock and Marco Wittmann are also new to the DTM. Together with BMW Team MTEK, we will give them the time they need to gradually find their feet in this series. As far as our other three teams are concerned, we saw no need to make dramatic changes to the tried-and-tested structures. However, we did want to set a few new courses for the 2013 season, in order to get the most out of the strengths of our drivers and teams. This is the thinking behind Andy Priaulx and Joey Hand swapping teams. The allocation of our drivers for the 2013 season allows both the drivers and the teams to take the overall package at BMW Motorsport to the next level by exchanging experiences and ideas. Everyone in our team is highly motivated to succeed as we face the new challenge of lining up in the DTM as defending champions.”
In announcing which of the four teams the eight drivers will race for, BMW Motorsport is heralding the hottest phase of preparations for the DTM season. More tests are scheduled for the coming weeks and months. The eight regular DTM drivers and BMW Motorsport test and development driver Maxime Martin will also travel to Viareggio for a joint fitness week at the start of March.

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BMW Power

11-02-13, 10:01

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World premiere on Red Square: Audi A5 DTM in Moscow
On August 4, the DTM will be entering new territory to contest a race in Russia for the first time in its near 30-year history. Audi is the only brand to have visited Moscow half a year before the DTM round: Mattias Ekström and Edoardo Mortara today presented themselves together with an Audi A5 DTM to a large number of fans and journalists.

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Mortara and Ekström presented themselves to the media
The agreements have been signed, the date has been confirmed, the level of excitement before the event is rising. While the motorsport scene is feverishly looking forward to the DTM debut in Russia, Audi sent three of its stars to Red Square months before the first race: Mattias Ekström, Edoardo Mortara plus an Audi A5 DTM. Press conference at the Garage Center for Contemporary Culture, ceremonial unveiling of the 460-hp race car, photo shoot on Red Square, great enthusiasm and countless requests for autographs by the Russian fans - the first visit of the DTM stars in the heart of Moscow caused a major sensation.

"Complementing the calendar by a race in Moscow marks a decisive step for the DTM. It’s a great opportunity to present ourselves in an important market with an affinity for motorsport," said Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. The numbers underscore the significance of the country for Audi: More than 33,500 automobiles delivered to Russian customers in 2012 correspond to an increase by 44.1 percent compared to the year before. Of Audi’s top ten sales markets, Russia was the one to record the fastest growth last year.

"The huge enthusiasm we were met with in Moscow is fantastic," said Mattias Ekström, who had never been to Russia before. "I always enjoy getting to know new countries and people. Right after the first day here in Moscow I’m convinced that it has been a very good decision to hold a race here. I can hardly wait to return in August."

Two-time race winner in the 2012 season, Edoardo Mortara, has high expectations as well: "I don’t know the Moscow Raceway yet but the layout looks interesting and promises a lot of action. I think the spectators can expect quite a bit on track and of course off track as well. I’m very excited about the DTM’s first visit to Russia."

Elena Smirnova, Head of Audi Russia, shares the excitement of the two Audi stars. "Motorsport is the best forge of the brand’s technologies," she said. "Now, when this kind of sport is on the rise in Russia, when professional race tracks are being built in different regions of the country, Audi is ready to show the new edges of its character. The fans of Audi here are looking forward to the beginning of the DTM series’ new season. They will be able to cheer for our drivers, personally attending the stage at Moscow Raceway for the first time. Russia is one of the top ten markets for Audi, so today, a few months before the championship gets to our country, we are pleased to introduce the Audi A5 DTM to our fans."

BMW Power

13-02-13, 09:59

DTM season kicks off on 9th April.
Round about one month before the first race of the season in Hockenheim the DTM will present itself to its fans. The first test day at the Hockenheimring on 9th April will be open for spectators, who can watch the action on track from one of the stands. On top of that journalists are offered the chance to meet the drivers in a relaxed atmosphere.

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BMW Power

18-02-13, 12:00

New company car.
The 2013 season will once again see a bright yellow BMW M3 DTM on the starting grid. Deutsche Post is continuing its commitment as Premium Partner of BMW Motorsport. Timo Glock will be at the wheel of the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM, which will be run by BMW Team MTEK.

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“I am delighted the partnership with Deutsche Post is now entering its second season following an extremely successful debut together in the DTM last year”, said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Together with our Premium Partner, we were able to enjoy good results in 2012, culminating in BMW Team Schnitzer winning the team title at the end of the year. I am sure our DTM newcomers at BMW Team MTEK, with Timo Glock at the wheel, will also cause the odd upset.”
Ingo Bohlken, CEO Dialog Marketing Deutsche Post, said: “There are two reasons for Deutsche Post to be delighted to continue as the Premium Partner of BMW Motorsport in the DTM. On the one hand, the companies’ philosophies are well suited to each other. Speed, dynamic, innovation and teamwork play a major role for both sides. On the other hand, we are also delighted to be able to continue working with our long-term partner Timo Glock in the DTM. We know Timo very well and are confident he will be an outstanding ambassador for Deutsche Post, BMW Motorsport and the DTM as a whole.”
Glock and Deutsche Post can already look back on a long partnership. The BMW works driver has been on the jury at the “Deutsche Post Speed Academy” since 2004. The academy, which is sponsored by Deutsche Post, sees racing and media experts prepare talented German drivers for a career as professional racing drivers.
“To drive the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM in my first season in the DTM is something very special for me,” said Glock. “I have enjoyed a good, close working relationship with my partner Deutsche Post for many years. I am proud I am now able to appear in the DTM in the yellow that is so characteristic of the company.”
The corporate brands Deutsche Post and DHL provide a unique range of services in the fields of logistics and communications. They offer the customer both easily manageable standard products and innovative tailored solutions – from dialogue marketing to industrial supply chains. About 470,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories form a global network aimed at providing optimal service, quality and sustainability. Deutsche Post also takes its social responsibility seriously, with programs dealing with the topics of climate protection, disaster management and education.

BMW Power

01-03-13, 07:59

Perfect timing.
The Belgian watch brand Ice-Watch will make its debut in the popular touring car series as Premium Partner of BMW Motorsport. For the 2013 season, Marco Wittmann of BMW Team MTEK will take to the track at the wheel of the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM, which bears the start number 21.

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“Time plays a vital role in the DTM. The difference between victory and defeat comes down to mere fractions of a second in qualifying, the race, and during pit stops. We are now picking up on the subject of time in the form of our partnership with Ice-Watch,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “We are delighted to team up with a partner like Ice-Watch, which sets trends in its industry and therefore carries a dynamic image. That suits BMW Motorsport and Marco Wittmann very well. After all, Marco is our youngest driver. A look at the BMW Motorsport watch collection proves the licence partnership between BMW and Ice-Watch in the lifestyle segment is a winning project for both sides from the word go. I’m sure we will see these stunning models on many wrists in the DTM paddock in the 2013 season.”
Within the framework of the partnership with BMW Motorsport, Ice-Watch has also developed a dedicated BMW Motorsport watch collection. “We are looking forward to our new licence partner Ice-Watch – and the appearance of these sporty watches in the classic BMW Motorsport colours at the DTM race tracks,” said Dr Thomas Goerdt, Head of BMW Group Lifestyle Collections.
Marco Wittmann said: “The Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM looks fantastic. The very first time I saw the design of my DTM car for 2013, I fell in love with it. I also really like the watches. They are very practical and also look sporty.”
Jean-Pierre Lutgen, CEO of Ice-Watch, added: “BMW embodies innovation, design, cutting-edge performance and robustness, as well as excellent after sales service and accessibility. This partnership is further proof the Ice-Watch brand is seen as a sound and credible partner. It offers the brand the chance to further consolidate its position among the leading names in ‘fashion watches’, acquired thanks to a new vision of watches, affordable prices, a wide range of colours and models, and constant innovation.”
Founded in Belgium in 2007, Ice-Watch now sells its watches in over 110 countries. The brand’s unique design is reflected in the models and colours, which are available in over 500 different combinations. There is an Ice-Watch watch for every taste, every style and every situation. Right from the outset, founder Jean-Pierre Lutgen placed great importance on the concept and spirit behind the brand.
Ice-Watch is not just a watch – Ice-Watch is the embodiment of colour and fashion. This way, the company is able to set trends and appeal to a broad target group. In 2012, more than 2 million watches were sold in Germany and Austria alone, with Ice-Watch achieving a market share of 38 per cent in the price range between 50 and 100 Euros.

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BMW Power

06-03-13, 08:32

A brace of legends return: BMW Group Classic lines up for the DTM.

05.03.2013

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BMW M1 Procar at Zandvoort 1979 Laffite (07/2008) Show all media
Munich . On the first weekend of May 2013 the Hockenheimring will host the curtain-raiser to the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) season – and the opening salvo in BMW Motorsport’s title defence. Following the drivers’ and manufacturers’ title-winning exploits of Canada’s Bruno Spengler and BMW in the brand’s comeback season of 2012, all eyes are now on the latest version of the victorious BMW M3 DTM. However, the undercard for the first of the season’s ten races will also be worth a look, as BMW Group Classic sends two legends of the track back into the limelight. The BMW M3 DTM – winner of the 1987 edition of the DTM – and the BMW M1 Procar racer driven in 1980 by Formula One world-champion-in-waiting Nelson Piquet will be lining up for action as “race taxis” at each of the ten races on the 2013 DTM calendar. Experienced professional racing drivers will get behind the wheel to give selected visitors an up-close and authentic taste of the fascination of a DTM race.
The BMW M3 DTM of 1987 set the tone and the template for the reigning title holder in just about every way. This was the car that Belgian Eric van de Poele drove to DTM title glory in BMW’s first season in the series – a trick repeated by Bruno Spengler 25 years later in impressive fashion with the latter-day BMW M3 DTM. The BMW M1 will also trigger memories of spectacular motor sport success for the brand as it returns to the track as the touring car’s “race taxi” partner. This 470 hp racer was piloted in the specially created Procar series in 1980 by Nelson Piquet, the Brazilian who went on to be crowned Formula One world champion in a Brabham BMW three years later.
“Race taxi” rides will be included on the bill at all ten DTM weekends of the 2013 season, the circuits hosting the comeback of the two legends on the Saturday between practice and qualifying and the Sunday between the warm-up and the race proper. The illustrious racing drivers signed up by BMW Group Classic for the job at hand are already feeling the excitement ahead of their appearance in these icons of BMW motor sport history. Only the current BMW Motorsport team members – including defending champion Spengler and, making his debut, long-time Formula One driver Timo Glock – cannot be considered for the “race taxi” driver role, the DTM regulations ruling that the extra experience of the track would give them an unfair competitive advantage.
Jens Marquardt is one of those who can’t wait to see the racing legends back in action. “BMW Motorsport has a unique heritage in production car racing,” says the BMW Motorsport Director. “Last year we were frequently treated to the sight of legendary BMW racing cars from past decades during DTM weekends. And each time the reaction of the fans and our guests was overwhelming,” he adds. “This year we want to give them something really special by sending out classic ‘race taxis’ as part of the DTM support programme. Fans of a leading race series will be able to feast their eyes on cars like the BMW M3 from 1987 and the legendary BMW M1 Procar on a regular basis once again. And we’ll also be inviting one or two drivers from that era of racing to step back into the cockpit as ‘taxi drivers’. We’re looking forward to seeing the faces of fans, partners, customers and sponsors light up – and are in no doubt that the BMW Group Classic ‘race taxis’ will add even greater appeal to this year’s DTM season.”

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BMW Power

11-03-13, 08:16

Fit for success.
Just as they did prior to the successful 2012 season, the BMW drivers have launched the final phase of preparations ahead of this year’s season-opener in Hockenheim with a fitness week in Viareggio.

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Under the guidance of Riccardo Ceccarelli and his Formula Medicine team, Augusto Farfus, Timo Glock, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx, DTM champion Bruno Spengler, Martin Tomczyk, Dirk Werner, Marco Wittmann, and test and development driver Maxime Martin all underwent an extensive programme, during which they worked on their mental strength and received valuable nutritional advice. BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt also visited the fitness camp for two days and took part in some of the training activities.
“Like last year, the atmosphere within our squad of drivers is absolutely excellent,” said Marquardt. “Unfortunately the weather did not always play ball, but you could see the special team spirit in the gym and during the many indoor activities, such as tennis, volleyball and basketball. The medical examinations, sporting competition and, last but not least, the fun we all have stand us in excellent stead for the tasks ahead. Many individual components are important in order to be successful in the DTM, and team spirit is definitely one of them.”
For the newcomers in the DTM squad, the diversified week in Italy provided the perfect opportunity to get to know their new team-mates better. “It was nice to have all the drivers in one place and to spend time together,” said Glock, who will be racing for BMW Team MTEK in 2013. “Every one of us received very precise feedback on exactly what areas we can improve. We trained hard, but also had a whole lot of fun and laughed a lot. In recent years I have only had one team-mate, now I have a few more. Each one is special in his own way, but we are all very focussed. We are ready to pull together and, hopefully, put together a successful season.”
Martin, who like Hand travelled directly from Viareggio to the season-opener of the American Le Mans Series in Sebring, also enjoyed the week: “I was actually a little surprised just how good the atmosphere is among the DTM drivers. Everyone is on great terms with the others, and it is great fun to be a part of it. You take a lot out of a week like this. I learned a lot about racing-related fitness training. On Thursday I played a tennis doubles match with the DTM champion, long-time Formula One star Timo Glock and Jens Marquardt. At that point it became very clear to me just what it means to be a part of the BMW Motorsport works team. I now feel excellently prepared as I head to Sebring to meet up with BMW Team RLL.”
While Hand and Martin are in action in the ALMS, the remaining BMW DTM drivers are preparing for the next test. From 26th to 29th March 2013, the BMW teams will take to the track in Barcelona at the ITR Tests. As is the tradition, the 2013 DTM season gets underway at the Hockenheimring on 5th May 2013.

BMW Power

27-03-13, 11:00

BMW Welt becomes DTM World.
On 6th April, the eight BMW DTM drivers present their cars in the BMW Welt in Munich.

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Shortly before the four-day test at Hockenheim, the BMW Motorsport DTM squad will make a stopover at home: on 6th April the eight BMW drivers Augusto Farfus, Timo Glock, Bruno Spengler, Martin Tomczyk, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx, Dirk Werner and Marco Wittmann will present their BMW M3 DTM cars in Munich’s BMW Welt.
They will drive their cars to the exhibition area, the so-called ‘Premiere’, in spectacular style and then pose for the BMW Welt visitors next to their cars. Following the presentation, two autograph sessions will be held at the BMW Welt plaza. There, the fans will have the chance of getting really close to the drivers.
In addition to the drivers, the Team Principals – Charly Lamm, Ernest Knoors, Bart Mampaey and Stefan Reinhold – as well as BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt also will be on site.

BMW Power

27-03-13, 11:01

Green light in Barcelona.

The final preparations for the DTM are heating up: the BMW teams are spending four days testing at the “Circuit de Catalunya” to ensure their cars are fit for the 2013 season. There was plenty of action out on the track on day 1.

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Day one of the joint tests, attended by all three manufacturers represented in the DTM – and Augusto Farfus, Timo Glock, Bruno Spengler and Martin Tomczyk immediately got stuck into a comprehensive programme. The fastest BMW was that of Tomczyk, whose quickest lap time on the 2.977-kilometre variant of the circuit was 1:06.787 minutes.
As well as the intensive set-up work on the BMW M3 DTM, the focus in Spain was also on two new innovations, which were being tested with a view to possibly being used in the 2013 season: Hankook’s new option tyres and the Drag Reduction System (DRS).
“The test day was okay and we were able to complete our planned programme. It was obviously exciting to use the new option tyres and DRS,” said DTM champion Spengler. “As far as the tyres are concerned, we took a close look at how the new spec works over a longer distance. We learned a lot this way. The DRS is obviously great fun for a racing driver. You can really feel how it is possible to shift up a gear earlier and reach a higher top speed on the straight. You have to get used to it at first and sound it out lap by lap. That is why the tests here in Barcelona and in Hockenheim are so extremely important.”

BMW Power

29-03-13, 13:23

Optimum conditions for the first ITR test day of the year
The days of waiting are nearly over: with day one of the first official ITR tests of the year, the countdown for the 2013 DTM season has begun. From Tuesday to Friday, the DTM drivers racing for Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz are testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya to fine-tune their racing cars. In ideal conditions, with temperatures around 18° C, Canada’s Robert Wickens (1:06.735 minutes) set the fastest lap time of the day, with his DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé. The second-quickest of the day on the circuit’s 2.977-kilometre track layout was the German BMW driver Martin Tomczyk. His gap to Wickens added up to 0.052 seconds. The fastest Audi driver was German Mike Rockenfeller who crossed the line with his Audi RS 5 DTM in 1:07.070 minutes. Martin Tomczyk was the busiest driver: the German completed a total of 170 laps on the Spanish track, representing a total mileage of 506.09 kilometres.

In addition to the four DTM rookies Timo Glock, Marco Wittmann (both BMW) Daniel Juncadella and Pascal Wehrlein (both Mercedes-Benz), technical innovations also attracted particular attention of teams and fans. For instance, the Hankook option tyres that are officially used in the Barcelona tests for the first time. Furthermore, the DTM teams also test the DRS (Drag Reduction System), allowing the drivers to open a rear-wing flap and temporarily increase their top speed, this way.

Quotes following the first day of testing:

Mike Rockenfeller (Audi): “We gave a lot of things a try, on this first day of testing, and completed nearly 100 percent of our scheduled programme. Some of our questions have been answered and there still are another three days of testing to go. Basically, I’m rather happy with our achievements but with the option tyres and the DRS, assessing the times is extremely difficult. After all, you don’t know what is used by whom and when. The DRS worked flawlessly, to date, and its impact is impressive - higher speed on the straights and, consequently, better lap times. Meanwhile, I kept the option tyres for my second day of testing - hoping that the conditions will remain dry. My thoughts about option the tyres and the DRS: Anything that has got what it takes to even improve the DTM racing is a good idea. It’s an effort to make for additional overtaking opportunities. That’s great for us drivers and - in the end - for the spectators, too.”

Bruno Spengler (BMW): “Being back behind the wheel was big fun. You can feel increased pleasant anticipation of the season everywhere. The day of testing was okay - we successfully completed our scheduled programme. Of course, the new option tyres and the DRS made for extra excitement. When it comes to the tyres, we took a close look on the impact the new spec makes over a longer distance. And we learned a lot by doing so. The DRS quite obviously is big fun for a racing driver. You clearly feel that you can change up earlier and that the top speed on the straights is higher. That’s something you have to accustom to and you have to focus on finding the limit lap by lap. Therefore, the tests here at Barcelona - and the ones in three weeks at Hockenheim too - are so important.”

Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz): “Getting behind the wheel of my new EURONICS Mercedes C-Coupé for the first time, this morning, was very exciting. The car handles really well and we could complete our testing programme as scheduled and without encountering any problems. The team did a fantastic job in the off-season. It goes without saying that there still is work to do but I think that we once again have got a highly competitive car for the forthcoming season.”

The second and final official ITR tests prior to the season kick-off will be held from 09th to 12th April at Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg, with 09th April also being the DTM Media Day. And the first race of the 2013 season will be held on 05th May at the same venue.

DTM technology corner

Option tyres: The so-called option tyre is a new tyre supplied by DTM tyre partner Hankook. This tyre features a softer compound than the well-known DTM control tyre. Due to this change, the option tyre offers the driver the opportunity to set for a certain period in time - estimated some 40 kilometres - the opportunity to set lap times that are about 1 to 1.5 seconds faster. Is the tyre used for a longer period, however, the lap times will drop significantly. The question how long and when the new tyre should be used represents a new challenge for the team strategists. Different strategies will increase the excitement for the fans who will be able to see if a driver is racing on the option tyre as it features a yellow mark on its side. Every driver will be provided with just one set of option tyres per weekend and must use this set of tyres once in the race. The decision, if there will be mandatory pit stops and if yes how many has not yet been made. In the 2013 season, the tyre sets will be drawn on the Friday of the respective race weekend and afterwards are fitted by Hankook for the teams. Then, the tyres are sealed until they are used in the free practice session. This procedure is repeated between the qualifying session and the race.

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BMW Power

29-03-13, 13:24

Gary Paffett the quickest on day two
On the second of the four days of testing in Spain, Gary Paffett set the fastest lap time. With his DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, the Briton crossed the line of Barcelona’s 2.977 Circuit de Catalunya in 1:06.149 minutes. With this time, he was just 0.026 seconds faster than Augusto Farfus who took his BMW M3 DTM to second position on the time sheets. The top three were completed by DTM rookie Timo Glock. The gap between Paffett and the German amounted to 66 hundredths of a second.

Timo Glock in the BMW M3 DTM
Behind Robert Wickens, Daniel Juncadella (both Mercedes-Benz) and Martin Tomczyk (BMW), Timo Scheider took the fastest Audi RS 5 DTM to seventh position, followed by his fellow Audi drivers Miguel Molina and Mattias Ekström as well as DTM test driver Maxime Martin (BMW). The busiest man of the day was Farfus. The Brazilian completed 198 laps, representing a total mileage of 589.446 kilometres.

The official ITR tests at Barcelona will be continued on Thursday. Then, once again 11 Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz drivers will gout out on the track to prepare for the coming DTM season. For the live timing please click here.

Miguel Molina, Audi: “Being back in the car after the long and hard winter feels just great. From my point of view, today was a very successful day. It wasn’t our goal to set fast lap times but to fully complete our scheduled testing programme. We succeeded in doing so and gathered loads of findings and data that are helpful for our season preparations. For me, every lap here at Barcelona is something very special. Here, I made my first steps on the motor-racing ladder in a single-seater and whenever I come back I’m proud of doing so as professional racing driver. And even more so with this car: I think my Audi RS 5 is just gorgeous. With this colour, identifying me in the DTM field always will be easy. Now we will do everything to make sure that it does not only look good but also drives even faster.”

Timo Glock, BMW: “I felt more comfortable than on Tuesday, today. We were able to complete a lot of laps and quite obviously, this was helpful for us as a new team and me as DTM rookie. I still have got my problems when it comes to understanding the standard tyre. Nonetheless, I was rather unhappy with our long-runs. And on the option tyres I had particularly big fun, today. We will continue our work at Hockenheim and try to make the best possible use of the short preparation time prior to the season.”

Gary Paffett, Mercedes-Benz: “Apart from the rain in the morning we had another successful day of testing, at Barcelona. We focused on long-runs with the option and the standard tyres, today, to understand the balance and performance differences. It’s nice to hold the top position on the time sheets, at the end of a day of testing but in the end, this doesn’t count.”

BMW Power

29-03-13, 13:25

Jamie Green sets the pace on day three
Day three of the official DTM tests at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya: While the fastest times on Tuesday and Wednesday were set by Mercedes-Benz drivers, Audi’s new signing Jamie Green proved to be the quickest on Thursday. With his Audi RS 5, the Briton crossed the line on his fastest lap in 1:07.171 minutes.

Meanwhile, Pascal Wehrlein completed his first laps at the wheel of the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, at Barcelona. The DTM rookie who contested his farewell event in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship and secured three podiums, last weekend, finished second on his first day of DTM testing, just 0.065 seconds behind Green.

Filipe Albuquerque (Audi), Roberto Merhi (Mercedes-Benz), Adrien Tambay (Audi) and Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz) secured the positions three to six on the time sheets. The fastest BMW driver was Dirk Werner. With his BMW M3 DTM, he was some two tenths of a second slower than Green. DTM rookie Marco Wittman made his first appearance in the Barcelona tests, on Thursday. The German finished 11th behind his fellow BMW driver Joey Hand and will be back behind the wheel on Friday. Joey Hand was the busiest driver of the day. The US American BMW driver completed 210 laps, representing a total mileage of 625.17 kilometres.

Friday will be the last of the four official days of testing at Barcelona. The tests will be held from 09:00 to 13:00hrs and from 14:00 to 18:00hrs. Please click here for the live timing.

Jamie Green, Audi: “A good day. We could complete our scheduled programme and executed every task we had on our list. That feels good. The track was dry, the sessions weren’t temporarily red-flagged and we didn’t encounter the slightest technical problems. We covered a lot of kilometres. In the afternoon session alone, we completed more than 100 laps. And doing so currently is of major importance, for me. There’s just one thing that will help me getting the right feel for the Audi RS 5 DTM: as many laps as possible. The same applies to the collaboration with my race engineer and my data engineer – and the tests at Barcelona represented a good opportunity to improve this collaboration. The DRS wing also makes a positive impression. The effect won’t be as big as in Formula 1 and the overtaking won’t be as easy as there but it will make overtaking easier, nevertheless. Today, we also learned a lot about the option tyres that are clearly faster than the standard tyres.”

Marco Wittmann, BMW: “I truly looked forward to the tests here at Barcelona. After all, it was my first outing with my new Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM. And I’m rather happy with our achievements on day one. I felt really comfortable, in the car, and the collaboration with my BMW Team MTEK already is very good. It’s important for us to perfectly adapt to one another and to make for perfect work flows to get in the best possible shape for the season kick-off. And today was a good step on the way in this direction.”

Pascal Wehrlein, Mercedes-Benz: “Driving the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé at Barcelona for the first time in an official test felt just great. I really look forward to continuing the work with the team and try to understand the car and familiarise myself with it as fast as possible. As things went rather well, today, I massively look forward to the tests tomorrow and to Hockenheim. For me as rookie it’s crucial to learn as much as possible that will prove to be helpful in the season. I think we gathered a lot of data and findings today that will allows us to make a step forward. It goes without saying that having set the second fastest time feels great – but I’m aware that this is just a test and will keep my feet on the ground.”

BMW Power

30-03-13, 09:28

Wittmann sets the fastest lap time on the final day of testing
Marco Wittmann made for the final fastest lap time the of the official four-day ITR tests at Barcelona. On Friday, in perfect weather conditions with temperatures of about 21.5° C, the DTM rookie hat was the quickest driver at the Circuit de Catalunya. He set his fastest time as early as in the morning session by crossing the line of the circuit’s 2.977-kilometre version with his BMW M3 DTM in 1:06.451 minutes.

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Second position on the time sheets of day four was secured by Pascal Wehrlein, who is about to contest his first season on the grid of the most popular international touring-car series - just as Wittmann. With his DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, 18-year old Wehrlein set a personal fastest lap time of 1:06.687 minutes and was the fastest in the afternoon session - but finished 0.235 seconds behind Wittmann, in the end. Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz) came third, with his personal fastest lap time of1:06,706 minutes, followed by the best Audi driver, Timo Scheider. The fastest lap time Scheider achieved with his RS 5 DTM (1:06,844 minutes) was 0.393 seconds slower than the one of Wittmann.

Thanks to Wittmann, BMW also secured one of the fastest lap times on the Barcelona time sheets. On the previous three days, the fastest lap times were secured by the two Mercedes-Benz drivers Robert Wickens (Tuesday/1:06.735 minutes) and Gary Paffett (Wednesday/1:06.149) as well as Audi’s new signing Jamie Green (Thursday/1:07.171). So, Paffett also proved to be the quickest of the entire four days of testing. While the fastest man on Friday also was the busiest: Marco Wittmann completed 220 laps, representing a total mileage of 654.94 kilometres, on a single day of testing at Barcelona.

Prior to the season kick-off, held on 05th May at the Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg, the teams of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz will have another four days of testing for their preparations for the coming season. From 09th to 12th April, Hockenheim will be the venue of the second and final ITR tests, with the 09th April also representing the official DTM Media Day.

On the four days of the first official ITR tests, the teams and drivers gathered a lot of - predominantly positive - experiences with two technical innovations. The one innovation were the new Hankook option tyres and the other the new Drag Reduction System, DRS, that allows the drivers to change the adjustment of the rear wing for a certain amount of time to temporarily increase their top speed.

Quotes after day four:

Timo Scheider (Audi): “Being back at the wheel of a racing car after such a long time was fantastic. First of all I had to familiarise myself with the DTM car but I succeeded in doing so very well. It may sound like a standard comment but we completed 90 percent of our scheduled programme. Nonetheless, it is extremely difficult to make reliable assessments. It was sunny at warm, at times, and then again overcast and colder. Therefore, the track conditions differed a lot. On Friday afternoon I covered my first kilometres with the option tyres - and they represented a huge positive surprise. Driving the DTM car on these tyres is truly big fun. Afterwards, you just don’t want to switch back to the standard tyres. And the DRS also makes an impact. I think it was time for making some changes. The fans want to see overtaking manoeuvres and both the DRS and the option tyres will be helpful to achieve this goal.”

Andy Priaulx (BMW): “Contesting such a test with your new team is really nice. We used the time to get to know one another better - and I quickly found a good rhythm. I definitely will leave Barcelona with a lot of positive experiences under my belt. The option tyre is quick and rather consistent. And when you go out again on the standard tyres after a stint on the options you have to re-adapt. That’s an interesting challenge.”

Christian Vietoris (Mercedes-Benz): “I had two rather positive days of testing. We had no technical problems whatsoever and consequently, we could make optimum use of the time by gaining a lot of important insights. And in this year, with the limited test time available to us, this is of particular importance. The crew also cooperated fantastically and did a great job. I’ve also got a very positive feeling regarding the DRS but at this point in time it’s difficult to say how big the advantage will be, in the end.”

DTM technology corner

DRS: The DRS, Drag Reduction System, is a system allowing the driver to adjust the rear wing from the cockpit to reduce the drag and increase the top speed for periods of time defined by the regulations. Should a DTM driver close the gap to the driver ahead of him to less than two second, his vehicle will receive a signal from the race control’s marshalling system. Then, the ECU of DTM partner Bosch will inform the driver via a display that the DRS is enabled and enables it at the same time. During the course of the following lap, the DRS may be used one time. A pneumatic system is used to move the rear wing to a flatter angle - by 15 percent - and consequently increase the top speed by five to seven kilometres. This should help the driver to move next to his rival and offer him the chance of outbraking him. Should the pneumatic wing adjustment fail, the wing will automatically drop back into the standard position, thus providing the driver the usual stability and - first of all - safety while braking. The fans also clearly can see if a driver is using the DRS as the lateral endplates move clearly visibly together with the rear wing.

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BMW Power

30-03-13, 09:32

More than 7,000 kilometres in Barcelona.
The four BMW teams have made another important step on the way to the start of the DTM season on 5th May 2013 at Hockenheim. Over the course of four days of testing at Barcelona, the BMW drivers covered more than 7,000 kilometres.

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During the test, the eight BMW DTM drivers and test and development driver Maxime Martin continued the preparations for the first race of the year by completing an extensive programme. Reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler tested with his BMW Bank M3 DTM on Tuesday and handed over the wheel of the car to Martin on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Augusto Farfus, Martin Tomczyk and Timo Glock were also on duty on the first two days. On Thursday and Friday, Dirk Werner, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx and Marco Wittmann took to the track. The fastest lap time of all the BMW drivers was set by Farfus on Wednesday. His personal best time was 1:06.177 minutes.
In addition to working on the set-up of the four BMW M3 DTMs, the BMW drivers tested two potential innovations for the 2013 DTM season: the newly developed Hankook option tyres and the Drag Reduction System (DRS). The BMW drivers used the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new tyre spec and the adjustable rear wing. The next important date in the run-up to the season kick-off is the presentation of all the BMW M3 DTM cars in Munich’s BMW Welt on 6th April 2013. Just three days later, the second and final joint pre-season test will begin at Hockenheim.

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Bruno Spengler (#1, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“Being back in the car was a lot of fun. You can feel the increasing excitement ahead of the season everywhere. The testing was okay – we successfully completed our scheduled programme. Quite obviously, the new option tyres and the DRS made for extra excitement. When it comes to the tyres, we took a close look at the performance of the new spec over longer distances, and we learned a lot. The DRS is definitely a lot of fun for every racing driver. You clearly feel you can shift up earlier and that the top speed on the straights is higher. That’s something you have to get used to and, therefore, you have to work lap by lap on finding the limit. That’s why the test here in Barcelona – and also the one held in Hockenheim – are so important.”

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Dirk Werner (#2, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“It’s great to have got back on the track. The test at Barcelona felt somewhat like an unofficial season kick-off. It was about completing our scheduled testing programme lap by lap and getting experience with the option tyres and the DRS at the same time. As I see it, both look likely to add excitement to the races.”

Augusto Farfus (#7, BMW Team RBM):
“You can really feel the increasing excitement in the run-up to the season opener. It was great trying the option tyres and the DRS. Both innovations certainly have got what it takes to help us provide the DTM fans with even more thrilling motor racing. We had no major problems at Barcelona and made good progress. There still is a lot of work to do, but I’m optimistic we will be well prepared for the start of the season.”

Joey Hand (#8, BMW Team RBM):
“It was my first real outing for BMW Team RBM and, in addition, Barcelona’s circuit represented virgin territory for me. Despite this I can say everything worked just fine. The guys did a great job. The conditions here change massively over the course of the day. We virtually had to hunt this track down. Despite this, we learned a lot. I hope the test at Hockenheim will be just as successful.”

Martin Tomczyk (#15, BMW Team RMG):
“I can feel the excitement growing. My first day of testing on Tuesday was one of the best in my entire career. We were able to fully test the potential innovations. Then, on day two, it was back to a more conventional programme. The overall result is positive, and despite the limited preparation time we are heading in the right direction.”

Andy Priaulx (#16, BMW Team RMG):
“Doing a test like this with my new team is really nice. We used the time to get to know one another better – and I quickly found a good rhythm. I definitely will leave Barcelona with a lot of positive experiences under my belt. The option tyre is quick and consistent. Then when you go out again on the standard tyres after a stint on the options you have to re-adapt. That’s an interesting challenge.”

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Marco Wittmann (#21, BMW Team MTEK):
“I was really looking forward to the test here at Barcelona. After all, it was my first outing with my new Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM. I felt really comfortable in the car, and the relationship with BMW Team MTEK is already very good. It’s important for us to get used to each another and optimise the work flow to make sure we will be in the best possible shape for the season opener. And today was a good step on the way to achieving this goal.”

Timo Glock (#22, BMW Team MTEK):
“We were able to complete a lot of laps and, quite obviously, this was helpful for us as a new team and for me as a DTM rookie. I still have problems in understanding the standard tyre but despite this was happy with our long-runs. At the same time, driving with the option tyres was a lot of fun for me. We will continue our work at Hockenheim and try to make the best possible use of the short preparation time prior to the start of the season.”

Maxime Martin (BMW Motorsport Test and Development Driver):
“Unfortunately, a technical problem cost me some time. However, I still completed a total of 120 laps and once again learned a lot. Altogether I’m happy with the test. Being a part of this team, enjoying the atmosphere and driving this sensational car is just fantastic.”

BMW Power

08-04-13, 08:50

Hand drives the Exide branded BMW M3 DTM.
Bursting with energy for the second joint DTM collaboration: BMW Motorsport and Exide Technologies will continue their partnership for 2013 and beyond. As in the previous season, Joey Hand will sit behind the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM in the colours of Official Partner Exide.

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“Energy is self-evidently a key topic in motorsport”, said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “What could be better than to have an official partner who is such an expert in matters of generating and storing energy as Exide Technologies is? We worked together fantastically well in our first season in 2012, so we are very excited to be continuing our partnership over the coming years.”
Driving in his first DTM season for BMW team RMG, Hand finished in the points twice and managed to be the only BMW driver to be classified as a finisher in every race. Thanks to the experience gained in 2012, the American, who is also driving for BMW Team RLL in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), is in a strong position to continue improving in 2013.
“The 2012 DTM season was incredibly exciting for me, but very challenging as well”, said Hand. “As I didn’t know any of the racetracks, I had a slight handicap every race weekend. This will be different in 2013, so I reckon with my new team, BMW team RBM, I will be able to get the most out of our complete package right from the very start.”

BMW Power

08-04-13, 08:56

Eight for DTM.
On Saturday the BMW Welt in Munich, located next to the company’s headquarters, was the stage for the spectacular launch of all eight BMW M3 DTM cars the reigning champions are going to contest the 2013 season with in the popular touring car series.

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Usually, the “Premiere” in the BMW Welt is reserved for those BMW customers who have come to take delivery of their cars. But, some four weeks prior to the season opener, the BMW DTM drivers, Bruno Spengler, Dirk Werner, Augusto Farfus, Joey Hand, Martin Tomczyk, Andy Priaulx, Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock, along with their racing cars, took centre stage in the handover ceremony.
First of all Prince Leopold “Poldi” of Bavaria drove the classic first-generation BMW M3 DTM racing car onto the delivery area and, a short time later, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt and test and development driver Maxime Martin followed with this year’s BMW M3 DTM Safety-Car. Afterwards, the door of the elevator that usually takes the brand-new BMW production cars to the “Premiere” area for delivery to their new owners opened eight times – and eight times the drivers behind the wheels of their spectacular BMW M3 DTMs thrilled the many visitors in the BMW Welt by driving onto the stage in racy style. Due to the huge interest in the event, the launch was also transmitted live to TV screens in the basement of Bavaria’s most visited attraction.

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“For us it’s been heartwarming to give our loyal fans the chance of getting really close to the BMW DTM project. I’m sure none of those involved today will have witnessed a launch like this before,” Marquardt said following the event. “Seeing all the eight BMW M3 DTMs with their individual liveries side by side was something very special – and even more so in front of the impressive backdrop of the BMW Welt. The countdown has started to the second season after our DTM comeback, and it’s easy to see all our drivers can’t wait for the first clash of the year. To date, we are very happy with our preparations. In the test next week we will focus on the fine-tuning. And then, as the defending champions, we will be happy to once again battle it out with our strong competitors in this hard-fought series. I expect a close season that will be extremely thrilling for the spectators, and today’s launch represented the perfect preparation for things to come.”

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DTM Champion Spengler was also thrilled and said: “Taking delivery of my BMW Bank M3 DTM for the 2013 DTM season here in the BMW Welt like a BMW customer was a really unusual feeling. I can fully understand why this moment is such a fascinating experience for them. I’m still of the opinion my matt-black car looks just sensational. It brought me luck and the title in 2012, and now I’m extremely motivated to be successful again this year with BMW Team Schnitzer.”
“I have already witnessed several events in the BMW Welt,” added BMW Team RBM’s driver, Farfus. “But to drive my Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM out of the elevator was a truly unique feeling. We have a strong team and everybody just can’t wait for the season to start.”

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On Friday the drivers had visited the BMW Plant Munich, writing countless autographs and taking a look behind the scenes of this impressive facility. Right after the event in Munich the eight BMW drivers will hit the road to Hockenheim for the final pre-season test. There from Tuesday to Friday BMW Motorsport and its teams will continue to complete their preparation programme for the first of the season’s ten rounds.

BMW Power

08-04-13, 09:01

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BMW Power

08-04-13, 09:02

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BMW Power

15-04-13, 08:27

Flying visit.
This Friday and Saturday the eight BMW DTM drivers, as well as test and development driver Maxime Martin, had a lot of appointments during their ‘2013 Driver Days’.

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Among other things, they spent a lot of time at BMW Motorsport in Anton-Ditt-Bogen, Munich. There they visited the employees and went into the workshop to sign autographs. They also visited the BMW plant in Munich where the employees had the chance of getting really close to the drivers during an autograph session. Afterwards, a guided works tour gave the drivers the opportunity to have a good look at the BMW production-car operation. The highlight of the ‘Driver Days’, however, was the DTM car launch in the ‘BMW Welt’ on Saturday. For this, 13,000 fans, partners and sponsors, as well as the media, were there when BMW Motorsport presented the eight BMW M3 DTM racing cars for the 2013 season in a spectacular event.

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BMW Power

15-04-13, 08:28

What’s new 2013.
Less than four weeks prior to the season opener, BMW and the other two manufacturers introduced the technical innovations and new regulations for the 2013 DTM season during the fan and media days.

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The option tyres and the Drag Reduction System (DRS), in particular, should add to the excitement of the DTM. Both innovations are to enhance overtaking opportunities and allow for more varied race strategies. The option tyre is different from the usual DTM tyre in that it is a softer rubber compound, and also lap times of up to one second quicker are expected. The DRS is a system with which the drivers can adjust the rear wing from inside the car and increase top speed.
Further changes in the regulations: in the fourth and final qualifying session, the use of fresh tyres is now allowed. On top of this, after qualifying the teams have to nominate the tyres they will use for the start of the race. In the race, with the exception of the first and final three laps, the two mandatory pit stops can now be taken at any time.
At Hockenheim, four BMW teams are until Friday, and working on the fine-tuning for the season opener on 5th May, which is also held at the Hockenheimring.

BMW Power

15-04-13, 08:28

BMW DTM stars in action at the Nordschleife.
The waiting is over: The new season of the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife gets underway on Saturday.

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After missing out on both the test and set-up session and the 60th ADAC Westfalenfahrt, which were cancelled due to extreme winter conditions, the competitors in the popular racing series will get their first taste this year of the infamous “Green Hell” from Thursday to Saturday.
BMW is traditionally represented by a large contingent of privateer cars in the VLN field. This weekend’s event also marks the first race outing on the Nordschleife for the works-assisted BMW Team Schubert and its BMW Z4 GT3s.

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The outfit from Oschersleben lines up at the opening event of the VLN season with a team of prominent drivers who have proven themselves at the Nürburgring in the past. Jörg Müller, Dirk Müller and Augusto Farfus will alternate behind the wheel of the first BMW Z4 GT3. While Jörg Müller and Dirk Müller have contested many successful races with the BMW Z4 GT3 in the recent past, Farfus returns to the Nordschleife from the DTM for the VLN season-opener. The second BMW Team Schubert car will be driven by Claudia Hürtgen, Jens Klingmann and Martin Tomczyk. Like Farfus, who claimed his first DTM victory in Valencia in 2012, Tomczyk is also part of BMW Motorsport’s team in the DTM, which he won in 2011. The 31-year-old will be making his first appearance in the “Green Hell” for BMW.
“It is fantastic to be back driving on the Nordschleife,” said Farfus. “I have fond memories of this circuit, particularly our victory at the 24-hour race in 2010. I also know both the BMW Z4 GT3 and BMW Team Schubert well, having won the 24 Hours of Dubai together in 2011. As such, I am looking forward to seeing the track, team and car again.”
Tomczyk is also looking forward to the race in the Eifel Mountains: “When the chance arose for me to drive the BMW Z4 GT3 on the Nordschleife, I did not hesitate for a second. I really like the circuit and am looking forward to making my race debut there in a BMW. The circuit is a driver’s dream. It’s a big challenge – great fun.”

BMW Power

15-04-13, 08:29

On the finishing straight.
The stage is set for the start of the DTM season in Hockenheim on 5th May, which is eagerly awaited by drivers, teams and fans alike. The four BMW teams and their rivals all completed their preparations for the first of ten races in 2013 with four days of testing at the same venue

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The varying conditions – with some cool temperatures and heavy downpours – presented the eight BMW DTM drivers with a real challenge. Despite this, the teams still managed to run through a comprehensive programme, consisting of well over 8,000 test kilometres, and once again gained valuable data and experience with the BMW M3 DTM.
As at the previous test in Barcelona, the drivers took to the track in Hockenheim with the new Drag Reduction System (DRS) and Hankook’s option tyres. It was announced at Tuesday’s media day that both these innovations will be used over the course of the season.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“We completed our preparations for the new DTM season with over 8,000 more test kilometres in Hockenheim. Although the unsettled weather, which mostly resulted in wet conditions, was not exactly ideal, we were still able to complete an intense programme over the course of the final four days of testing ahead of the opening race. Two of the things we focussed on were the DRS and option tyres. The drivers once again coped well with these innovations at the Hockenheimring. Despite the difficult conditions, we still learned a lot. The lap times should not be taken as an indication of the balance of power come the season-opener. The only certainty is that we have prepared meticulously and are now really looking forward to going head to head with the opposition under race conditions. It will definitely be a close affair in Hockenheim. The fans can look forward to an exciting start to the season.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“The test here in Hockenheim was very interesting and insightful, even though the unsettled weather conditions made it extremely difficult to carry out any good set-up work. However, the conditions were the same for everyone. On the whole, I am happy with the results of testing. It was a great feeling to be back in Hockenheim. After all, this is where I clinched the title in the final race last season. It brings back a lot of very nice memories. However, we are only looking ahead to the future now. I am looking forward to the first qualifying. Only then will we know how well positioned we really are.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“The weather conditions did not make it particularly easy to complete the whole test programme. Despite this, we made the most of the situation. We did not have a single problem with the car. Everything is going to plan. We will now review the entire preparation phase and analyse in detail all the data we have assembled. This should give us quite a good indication of how well we can expect to perform on the opening race weekend of the year.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM):
“The weather played a major role in this test. It alternated between rain and dry conditions. It is always beneficial to be able to complete a few laps in the wet, of course, but we would really have preferred more consistent conditions to allow us to prepare for the new season. Despite this, the overall impression is a positive one. Although preparations for the new season were generally very short, we are on the right track with regard to the start of the season. It was a great feeling to be back in Hockenheim.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM):
“I am very happy we were able to complete the programme we had planned. We were looking good in both wet and dry conditions. The relationship with BMW Team RBM is working really well. I initially had to make sure that our mechanics and engineers could understand my Californian gibberish, but we have a pretty cool troop here. The handling of our car is excellent, as is the new design. It looks awesome and quick. Over the course of my career, I have never yet been disappointed by a fast-looking car.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG):
“The test in Hockenheim is always a bit special for us drivers. After all, this circuit will soon be the venue for the first race of the new DTM season. Despite the unsettled weather conditions encountered over the course of the week, BMW Team RMG and I were still able to complete our test programme – which is not always easy, particularly when you have some heavy rain. However, it is difficult to draw any conclusions for the new season from the test. Only the opening race in Hockenheim will show who has really done a good job. I am confident we will be in a really good position come 5th May. You can sense the anticipation ahead of the new season throughout the entire paddock.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG):
“Our car sits very well on the track and is quick. Our lap times in the various sessions showed this. Because of this, I am already really looking forward to the opening race. I am extremely motivated and have a good feeling about my second year in the DTM. Unlike in my debut season, I now know exactly what awaits me in Hockenheim on 4th and 5th May. I have found my feet quickly in BMW Team RMG, and was made to feel very welcome by everyone. We are fired up and ready for the season-opener.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK):
“For me personally, the test in Hockenheim was super. However, it is hard to judge exactly how good our times were. When it comes down to it, nobody knows exactly what the opposition is doing. Despite this, this test gives me a lot of confidence. Our goal was to forge an even stronger bond within the team and to optimise our processes, in order to be perfectly prepared for the start of the season. We achieved that. I am excited to see how we fare in the opening race.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK):
“Generally speaking, the test in Hockenheim was very positive for us. We reeled off a lot of laps and collected informative data and reference values. It obviously rained a lot, but we should now be well prepared when we have the odd wet race over the course of the season – which we inevitably will. We also coped well in the dry. We are improving with every lap, and our pit stops are also getting quicker and quicker. I now feel right at home in the car. We have taken a big step forward. I hope this trend continues right through to the first race weekend in Hockenheim. I am really looking forward to my first race. That will herald the start of a whole new chapter for me.”

BMW Power

19-04-13, 08:23

In with the new: A detailed look at the key changes ahead of the 2013 DTM season.

18.04.2013

Munich (DE), 18th April 2013. Just 18 days to the start of the new DTM season in Hockenheim (DE). When the eight BMW drivers take to the iconic racetrack under competitive conditions for the first time this year, a lot will have changed since last year’s successful season. Not only will 2012 champion Bruno Spengler (CA) line up with the number 1 on his BMW Bank M3 DTM, but innovations such as option tyres, DRS and the new race weekend format will throw up new challenges for the BMW teams. BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt gives a brief run-down of the most important changes ahead of the season-opener.
Jens Marquardt on…
…the BMW M3 DTM.
“Based on the experience we gained last season, we have generally made the car more robust. As we are limited in terms of the amount of further development work we can carry out on the aerodynamics, we have tended to focus more on other areas. In particular, improvements to the set-up of our BMW M3 DTM can make all the difference on race weekends. The race engineers in the individual teams, together with the drivers, play a key role in that regard.”
…the new format for DTM race weekends.
“In 2012 we were newcomers to the DTM and initially had to get used to the series and the specific processes involved. We succeeded in this at the first attempt. The reduction of race weekends to two days now poses another challenge for everyone involved. When preparing for the 2013 season, we primarily tried to improve the interplay between the mechanics in the garage, as well as the communication between engineers and crews. We strived to make the entire structure more efficient. In order to simulate the new conditions, we erected everything just as it would be on a race weekend for the first time at the test in Hockenheim – from the pit wall to the radio network. Generally speaking, we welcome the new race format, as we believe it will make the weekends compacter and more exciting.”
…the new team, BMW Team MTEK.
“Perhaps our biggest challenge over the winter was to assemble and integrate our fourth team, BMW Team MTEK. Ernest Knoors’ outfit had just a few months in which to prepare for the first outing. Furthermore, we at BMW Motorsport obviously had to adapt the entire infrastructure to suit four teams and eight cars. The structure of meetings also changed, because you simply need more time for everything, particularly communication between everyone involved when you have eight drivers and eight cars. That also fell into place very well during the preparations.”
…the Drag Reduction System (DRS).
“We tested the DRS for the first time at the start of the year. The first time we took to the track with this system, the challenge was to integrate it in one car per manufacturer in such a way that it did not affect the normal testing. The DRS has consistently been further developed since then. We have carried out a stress test on the system, and it is now ready to be used at races.”
…the option tyre.
“The option tyre was developed to make the DTM even more exciting. It is faster than the normal tyre over the first few laps – only the race itself will reveal exactly how much faster. However, the tyre does degrade after a certain time. Even after the tests, we do not know exactly how it will behave. We will only find that out in Hockenheim when we use the tyre in a race for the first time. Even then, however, we will not be able to say exactly how it will function on the remaining circuits. So, even after testing, there is still a certain unknown quantity in this area.”
…the interplay between option tyres and DRS.
“The combination of the two changes, both the option tyre and DRS, also promises to provide some exciting moments. We endorse the use of both elements, and see them as a good decision for the sport and the fans.”

BMW Power

24-04-13, 11:23

In with the new.
Just 11 days to the start of the new DTM season in Hockenheim. When the eight BMW drivers take to the iconic racetrack under competitive conditions for the first time this year, a lot will have changed since last year’s successful season.

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Not only will 2012 champion Bruno Spengler line up with the number 1 on his BMW Bank M3 DTM, but innovations such as option tyres, DRS and the new race weekend format will throw up new challenges for the BMW teams. BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt gives a brief run-down of the most important changes ahead of the season-opener.
Jens Marquardt on…
…the BMW M3 DTM.
“Based on the experience we gained last season, we have generally made the car more robust. As we are limited in terms of the amount of further development work we can carry out on the aerodynamics, we have tended to focus more on other areas. In particular, improvements to the set-up of our BMW M3 DTM can make all the difference on race weekends. The race engineers in the individual teams, together with the drivers, play a key role in that regard.”
…the new format for DTM race weekends.
“In 2012 we were newcomers to the DTM and initially had to get used to the series and the specific processes involved. We succeeded in this at the first attempt. The reduction of race weekends to two days now poses another challenge for everyone involved. When preparing for the 2013 season, we primarily tried to improve the interplay between the mechanics in the garage, as well as the communication between engineers and crews. We strived to make the entire structure more efficient. In order to simulate the new conditions, we erected everything just as it would be on a race weekend for the first time at the test in Hockenheim – from the pit wall to the radio network. Generally speaking, we welcome the new race format, as we believe it will make the weekends compacter and more exciting.”
…the new team, BMW Team MTEK.

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“Perhaps our biggest challenge over the winter was to assemble and integrate our fourth team, BMW Team MTEK. Ernest Knoors’ outfit had just a few months in which to prepare for the first outing. Furthermore, we at BMW Motorsport obviously had to adapt the entire infrastructure to suit four teams and eight cars. The structure of meetings also changed, because you simply need more time for everything, particularly communication between everyone involved when you have eight drivers and eight cars. That also fell into place very well during the preparations.”
…the Drag Reduction System (DRS).
“We tested the DRS for the first time at the start of the year. The first time we took to the track with this system, the challenge was to integrate it in one car per manufacturer in such a way that it did not affect the normal testing. The DRS has consistently been further developed since then. We have carried out a stress test on the system, and it is now ready to be used at races.”
…the option tyre.
“The option tyre was developed to make the DTM even more exciting. It is faster than the normal tyre over the first few laps – only the race itself will reveal exactly how much faster. However, the tyre does degrade after a certain time. Even after the tests, we do not know exactly how it will behave. We will only find that out in Hockenheim when we use the tyre in a race for the first time. Even then, however, we will not be able to say exactly how it will function on the remaining circuits. So, even after testing, there is still a certain unknown quantity in this area.”
…the interplay between option tyres and DRS.
“The combination of the two changes, both the option tyre and DRS, also promises to provide some exciting moments. We endorse the use of both elements, and see them as a good decision for the sport and the fans.”

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BMW Power

27-04-13, 20:39

All set for year two.
The waiting is over: the new DTM season gets underway in Hockenheim on 5th May. For BMW Motorsport, this marks the start of a second year in the popular touring car series, following the brand’s successful return after an absence of 20 years in 2012.

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The four BMW teams – BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM, BMW Team RMG and DTM newcomers BMW Team MTEK – will face numerous new challenges in the 2013 season. The option tyres and the Drag Reduction System (DRS) are set to add even more excitement and overtaking manoeuvres to the DTM. The race weekend has also been condensed. In the future there will be only one practice session, on the Saturday, before every thousandth of a second counts in the battle for grid positions in Sunday’s race.
At no other circuit has BMW claimed so many victories in the DTM as the Hockenheimring. To date, a BMW driver has crossed the finish line in first place on 11 occasions. The last of these came at the finale of the 2012 season, when Bruno Spengler finished first – a win that secured him the drivers’ title. When he returns to Hockenheim, it will be the Canadian’s first DTM race with the number 1 on his BMW Bank M3 DTM.
“We are the defending DTM champions and, as such, find ourselves in the best position you could ever wish for", BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. "We are very happy to take on this role. However, with two opponents as strong as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, you can never rest on your laurels. You have to work hard, in order to ensure you are always competitive. That is precisely what we did during the winter break. One thing is clear: it will be impossible to repeat that form of historic success – winning the title in our comeback year. That is exactly why we will never forget those moments after the finish at the 2012 finale in Hockenheim. Our second year in the DTM is now just around the corner, and a lot has changed. Technical innovations like DRS and the option tyres, together with the shortened race weekends, will pose a challenge for the teams and drivers. Furthermore, this is our first year with a fourth team and eighth drivers. The season will certainly be extremely exciting for all those involved and the fans. I am absolutely delighted that the waiting is finally over.”

BMW Power

27-04-13, 20:40

What the drivers say.
Reactions ahead of the first race of the 2013 DTM season in Hockenheim.

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Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“Hockenheim is one of my favourite circuits on the DTM calendar. The opening race will be very emotional for me. This is where I secured my first DTM title last season. I am highly motivated and out to prove I am a worthy champion. It is always absolutely great fun to drive at the Hockenheimring. Most of all, I am looking forward to seeing the fans again. Lining up with the number 1 on the BMW Bank M3 DTM is a very special feeling.”

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Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“I really like the Hockenheimring. I fared very well at this circuit last season. I qualified third at the first round of 2012, and finished fifth in the final race to score valuable points towards the team and manufacturers’ championships. However, this definitely does not make me a Hockenheim expert. Other drivers in the field have contested far more races here than I have. Everything must come together on the race weekend in order to challenge at the front of the field. I am obviously hoping for a good result.”

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Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM):
“Although the preparations for the new season have been very short, we are well prepared. It is a fantastic feeling to return to Hockenheim – the circuit, at which we achieved such a historic success last year. The entry into the Motodrom is unique. You come through the fast right-hander and are suddenly faced with the packed grandstands. That is a great feeling every time. I also like the constant switching between fast and slow sections in Hockenheim. It is a super circuit.”

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Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM):
“I am really looking forward to my second year in the DTM. Being able to call upon everything I learned in my debut season will allow me to get along better from the word go. It is nice to return to Hockenheim. Of all the circuits in Europe, this is the one I know best. It is also my favourite circuit in the DTM. The layout just seems to suit me. I am extremely motivated, particularly as I had a very good test phase in my new team, BMW Team RBM. We have put together a pretty cool troop. Bring on the new season.”

BMW Power

27-04-13, 20:42

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Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG):
“You can sense the anticipation ahead of Hockenheim everywhere. I am also really fired up for the new season. The Hockenheimring is an iconic racetrack and one of my favourite circuits in the DTM. The many fans in the grandstands turn the Motodrom into a seething cauldron with a unique atmosphere. Racing there is always an amazing experience.”

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Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG):
“The season-opener in Hockenheim is an extraordinary event. I am certain that BMW – just as it was at the final race of last year – will once again be very strong. However, the opposition has definitely taken a step forward. It will be interesting to see what effect the DRS and option tyres have on the race. Whatever happens, the fans can look forward to an exciting start to the season.”

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Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK):
“I start my first year in the DTM in Hockenheim. I could hardly imagine a better venue for the start of this new chapter in my career. The circuit has fast and slow sections – everything a racing driver desires. All in all, it is a very exciting circuit, especially when you turn into the Motodrom and are greeted by the many BMW fans cheering you on from the packed grandstands.”

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Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK):
“Everyone at BMW Team MTEK and BMW Motorsport has worked unbelievably hard over the winter. The team has really put itself on the line to ensure that we are competitive in the first race. Personally, I have noticed an improvement with every test and am feeling more and more at home in the DTM car. I hope this trend continues in Hockenheim. My first race in the DTM for BMW, in front of full grandstands, will definitely be one of the highlights of my career. This is the start of a new chapter for me. Our goal is to gain experience and learn. I am really looking forward to it.”

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:12

Wet start in Hockenheim.
The opening weekend of the DTM season is underway. The eight BMW drivers took to the track for the first time in difficult conditions during Saturday’s free practice.

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BMW Motorsport was greeted by heavy rain and a saturated track at the Hockenheimring. As such, the drivers took a cautious approach to the morning’s work – and still managed to produce competitive lap times in the eight BMW M3 DTMs.
Augusto Farfus in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM was third fastest with a time of 1:50.542 minutes, making him the quickest BMW driver. The BMW Team RBM man was just 0.208 seconds off the fastest time, set by Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller. Martin Tomczyk clocked the fifth fastest time in the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM.
The remaining BMW drivers were placed 11th (Joey Hand), 12th (Bruno Spengler), 13th (Timo Glock), 15th (Andy Priaulx), 18th (Marco Wittmann) and 22nd (Dirk Werner). The four BMW teams will be out to secure the best possible starting positions for the opening race of the year when qualifying gets underway at 14:40.

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:14

Augusto Farfus starts from the front row.
Having made it through to the Top-4 Qualifying, the BMW Team RBM driver was just 0.116 seconds slower than Audi driver Timo Scheider, meaning the Brazilian starts from the front row in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM for the fourth time in his DTM career.

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Reigning champion Bruno Spengler will look to move through the field from seventh on the grid in the number 1 BMW Bank M3 DTM. Joey Hand qualified ninth at the wheel of the number 8 BMW M3 DTM.
The drivers started out on a wet track, before the Hockenheimring gradually dried out over the course of qualifying. However, only in the third qualifying session was it actually possible to run on slicks. Martin Tomczyk finished 11th to narrowly miss out on the top ten in these difficult conditions. He was knocked off tenth spot in the final seconds of Q2. Timo Glock ended his first DTM qualifying in 15th. Andy Priaulx, Marco Wittmann and Dirk Werner failed to progress beyond Q1, and will start the race from 17th, 21st and 22nd respectively. Wittmann was hindered by a technical problem on the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM.

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BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:15

What the drivers say.
Reactions after the first qualifying of the 2013 DTM season.

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Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 2nd):
“That was a good start to the new season. We were very quick in all the qualifying sessions, and always among the front-runners. The tricky thing today was heading out onto the track at the right time in ever-changing conditions. After my flying lap in Q4, the track continued to dry out. Therefore, it was clear to me that the drivers going after me would have a better chance of securing pole. For this reason, I am very happy with my second place. I ended the 2012 season with a great result in Hockenheim and am very happy with the way I have started the new season so far.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 7th):
“Seventh place is not such a bad result in that kind of qualifying. The weather made it something of a lottery. I was six seconds too late to fit in another lap, on which I could perhaps have improved my time. With the new format, a lot should be possible in tomorrow’s race. I am certain my team will come up with a good strategy.”

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Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RMG, 9th):
“My goal for the season was to consistently qualify in the top ten. I have already achieved that once with today’s ninth place. The car was good, but I did not quite manage to get the very best out of it. However, the conditions were far from easy. Every one of us could have been first or last. Because of this, I am happy with my result.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 11th):
“Unfortunately I missed out on Q3 by a whisker. We had to cope with pretty difficult track conditions today. Not everything went to plan but, even in my 13th year in the DTM, I am still learning. I am confident I can make up some places in tomorrow’s race.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 15th):
“I went into my first DTM qualifying with a very good feeling. At first, everything went really well and I was lapping quickly. Then we possibly made a small mistake in Q2 and the tyres degraded dramatically. After that, I was unable to match the pace of the others. Let’s see what happens in the race.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 17th):
“I got a bit caught up in traffic on my last lap. That cost me time and prevented me from making it through to the next session. In these conditions, every tenth of a second was crucial. I am obviously a bit disappointed, as everything went really well in the wet this morning.”

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Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 21st):
“I had a good start to my first qualifying. The car felt very good. Unfortunately we suffered a technical problem, which meant it was no longer possible to improve on my lap times. We must now find out exactly what caused the problem. There can be only one approach to tomorrow’s race: attack.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 22nd):
“I am obviously very disappointed to have been knocked out in Q1, as you spend the entire winter looking forward to the first qualifying. I tried everything, but unfortunately I could not do any better today. I must now do all I can in the race, in order to end the weekend with a good result.”

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:16

One-two.
Fantastic start to the 2013 DTM season for BMW Motorsport: at the end of the 42 laps, Augusto Farfus won the opening race in Hockenheim at the wheel of the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM.

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This was the BMW Team RBM driver’s second DTM victory, following his triumph in Valencia in 2012. A wonderful drive and a strategic tour de force saw BMW Team Schnitzer’s Dirk Werner fight back brilliantly from 20th on the grid to finish runner-up in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM. In doing so, he completed the first one-two for BMW since the Bavarian manufacturer returned to the DTM in 2012. This is the 16th time in the history of the DTM that two BMW drivers have followed each other over the finish line in first and second.
In a tumultuous race with many spectacular overtaking manoeuvres, reigning champion Bruno Spengler crossed the finish line fifth in the BMW Bank M3 DTM. Joey Hand (BMW M3 DTM) and Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) also finished in the points, coming home seventh and ninth respectively. Therefore, five BMW M3 DTM drivers ended the race in the top ten. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) finished 13th and 17th.
Timo Glock’s DTM debut came to a premature end. Prior to his retirement, the BMW Team MTEK driver had produced a strong performance. Starting from 15th on the grid, Glock worked his way towards the front of the field and was at one stage second. However, following his first pit stop, the rear-right wheel of his DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM came off, giving the debutant no choice but to retire from the race.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was a really awesome start to the season. I must pay a huge compliment to everyone in the team – particularly to Augusto Farfus and Dirk Werner, of course, who presented us with our first one-two since we returned to the DTM. Augusto did not make a single mistake, and BMW Team RBM got its strategy spot on. The same can be said of BMW Team Schnitzer, who helped Dirk climb from 20th to a remarkable second. His fightback was simply fantastic. I hope the first race of the years was as thrilling and exciting for the fans as it was for us. I feel sorry for Timo Glock. He was looking very good at the start and did a great job of cutting through the field. However, any new team is always on a learning curve, and that unfortunately includes set-backs. That makes me even more delighted that his team-mate Marco Wittmann finished in the points in his first race, having started from right at the back.”

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:17

Reactions to the opening race of the DTM.
Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the four team principals and eight drivers had to say after the successful start to the season.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was a really awesome start to the season. I must pay a huge compliment to everyone in the team – particularly to Augusto Farfus and Dirk Werner, of course, who presented us with our first one-two since we returned to the DTM. Augusto did not make a single mistake, and BMW Team RBM got its strategy spot on. The same can be said of BMW Team Schnitzer, who helped Dirk climb from 20th to a remarkable second. His fightback was simply fantastic. I hope the first race of the years was as thrilling and exciting for the fans as it was for us. I feel sorry for Timo Glock. He was looking very good at the start and did a great job of cutting through the field. However, any new team is always on a learning curve, and that unfortunately includes set-backs. That makes me even more delighted that his team-mate Marco Wittmann finished in the points in his first race, having started from right at the back.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“I think we have definitely confirmed our arrival in the DTM with this victory. It took us a while to find our feet in 2012, and we also took a good look at ourselves in many areas during the winter break. That is not easy, and I would like to thank every single member of my team for their efforts. We drew exactly the right conclusions – and were rewarded with the victory today. The race was complicated today, and we had an awful lot of decisions to make. We took a bit of a chance with the strategy, but it paid off in the end. Augusto Farfus produced a fantastic performance. And Joey hand can also be very happy with his debut for our team.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“That is obviously a fantastic start for BMW. Dirk Werner went through a real emotional rollercoaster ride this weekend. After a difficult qualifying, he fought his way from the back of the field onto the podium. That is unbelievable. He deserves a huge compliment for that performance. The same goes for the pit crew and engineers. Our stops and the strategy were very good. Bruno Spengler lost ground in the second stint, for reasons yet unknown. After that, however, he also fought very hard and was rewarded with fifth place.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“The weekend did not go to plan for our team, as we had started out with high expectations. Even as early as qualifying we were not at the level we wanted to be at. Then came Martin Tomczyk’s false start. Following a collision shortly after the start, we then had technical problems with Andy Priaulx’s car, which we will now take a close look at. He did not have a chance after that. Despite this, I would like to thank my guys. They worked hard during the preparations for the start of the season. We all start from scratch again in two weeks.”
Ernest Knoors (BMW Team MTEK):
“We had a bit of everything this weekend. Yesterday we had a few problems with Marco Wittmann’s car, and today we were unlucky with Timo Glock. However, that is the learning curve we are on in 2013. We can also take a lot of positives from Hockenheim. I am very pleased Marco came through without any technical problems to score our first points. That is a great result. Timo could also have left the race with a good result, but unfortunately we made a mistake. We will learn from that, and continue to work hard.”

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Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 1st):
Tyres: Option-Prime-Option
“That was one of the most exciting races I have ever experienced. Right from the word go, it was clear to me that I would be in with a chance of winning from second on the grid. However, I was uncertain, as nobody could really know what effect DRS and the option tyres would actually have during the race. The fans got to see a lot of overtaking manoeuvres and a super fight out on the track. In the end, my team’s perfect strategy made the difference. It is an unbelievable feeling to start the season with a win. I would like to say a big thank you to BMW Motorsport and BMW Team RBM. That was an incredible start."
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 2nd):
Tyres: Prime-Option-Prime
“That was a magical feeling for me. I was very disappointed after the poor qualifying result, as I had great hopes for the weekend. I tossed and turned in bed, and did not want to get up this morning. Just a few hours later, it is a completely different story: it will definitely be a long evening. My car was sensational. One of my goals for 2013 was to make it onto the podium. I can hardly believe I have achieved that in the very first race. I have seldom experienced so much action in one race. That was a perfect day for me.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 5th):
Tyres: Option-Prime-Option
“I am a bit disappointed, as a podium would have been possible for me today. The start was amazing, and I was able to make up a lot of places. After the first pit stop and the safety car phase, I suddenly had big understeer for some reason. I struggled with that problem up until the end of the race. I just tried to stay on track and drive consistent laps. The team reacted quickly enough to bring me back in to change tyres again. That allowed me to score good points.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, 7th):
Tyres: Option-Prime-Option
“I feel bad about the start, as I just stalled it. I knew I had to make up for it so I said to myself go, go, go. I really pushed for my boys at BMW Motorsport and in BMW Team RBM who have worked so hard over the winter. I really wanted to make a mark in my second year in the series. There are a lot of positives to come out of the first race day of the year, and I am certainly happy.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 9th):
Tyres: Prime-Option-Prime
“I am really happy and was not expecting to get into the points after a bad qualifying. Ninth place is a really good result for me. I was a bit unlucky with the option tyres, as I got stuck in a bit of traffic after the safety car and could not take full advantage of them. But still, the result is unbelievable. A big thank you to the team, who did a great job with the strategy and pit stops."
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 13th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“The jump start was definitely my fault and I have apologised to the team. It was a bad start to the season after qualifying yesterday, but at least I finally finished a race. I had some good overtaking manoeuvres and the introduction of DRS and the option tyres seems to be working out well. I am looking forward to the coming races.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 17th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“Not a good weekend. We had the potential, but at the end of the day the car had mechanical issues with second gear. I also took a few hits on the first lap, which resulted in floor damage to the car. However, I am really encouraged by the fact Augusto Farfus won and Dirk Werner came from 20th to second. This proves just what is possible in the DTM this year.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, DNF):
Tyres: Option-Standard
“Generally speaking I will take a lot of positives from my first DTM weekend. I got off to a good start and was already tenth by the end of the opening lap. After that I continued to fight my way through the field and tried to implement our strategy as well as possible. However, I came off the track in the Sachs corner and had to plough through the gravel. We came straight in for our pit stop after that. Unfortunately, one of the wheels was not properly in place. I made a mistake today, and so did the pit crew – that is motorsport. Congratulations to BMW, Augusto and Dirk. The guys did a great job.”

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:18

Three questions for … Augusto Farfus.
Perfect start: BMW Motorsport made a dream start to the 2013 DTM season at the Hockenheimring. Augusto Farfus and Dirk Werner came home first and second to present BMW with its first one-two since returning to the series in 2012. An interview with the race winner.

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Augusto, one year on from your first ever DTM race and here you are again on the podium. Can you talk about your emotions?
Augusto Farfus: “Saying I am happy seems almost insufficient. A year ago I was a rookie. I was also starting from 19th on the grid. I had to be realistic about my first race, but I was still disappointed not to have a better start in the series. Now I am ecstatic. I have realised a dream and a very important one. I am proud to be driving the best racing car in the world in the best touring car series in the world.”
There was a lot of speculation about how the introduction of the DRS and soft option tyres would affect the racing. What is your opinion on their effect?
Farfus: “Both have proved a hundred per cent successful. Any fan who was sitting in the grandstands today must have been thrilled by the show we put on. I never seemed to stop fighting for my win. The DRS was doing its job. Hankook worked hard on producing the option tyre and just look at the results and you can see they also spiced up the racing.”
With all the action what sort of strategy was the best today?
Farfus: “I think one where the team was ready to react to any circumstances. Who knew that on lap six two cars would need to be retrieved from the track and so this would affect the strategy. It gave the green light for all but very few of the drivers to pit, and this set the course for the race. The only problem from my point of view was that I was never sure who I should be racing with, and it gave the team a pretty hard job to read the race properly and keep a very close track of who was a threat. On many occasions I would see someone in front or behind and have to ask if I was racing them. Luckily I have a great team in BMW Team RBM and so got the correct advice.”

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:18

In the slipstream.
Augusto Farfus got the season off to a perfect start with his win in Hockenheim. However, Dirk Werner was the weekend’s other big winner. The BMW Team Schnitzer driver produced the biggest fightback in DTM history.

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The first race weekend of the year will live long in Werner’s memory. The BMW driver had really been looking forward to the season-opener, and had spent the entire winter working towards this one event. And then, when the big moment finally arrived, nothing came together in qualifying. He ended up having to start the race at the Hockenheimring from 20th on the grid. “I was bitterly disappointed after the poor result in qualifying,” said Dirk. “I had great plans for the weekend, and then I was hopeless in qualifying.”
On the morning of the race, the German tossed and turned restlessly in his bed and didn’t even want to get up. Just a few hours later, however, the racing driver’s world looked completely different. Werner made it onto the podium for the first time in his DTM career. Starting from 20th on the grid, he sensationally raced through the field to second place in the slipstream of winner Farfus. In doing so, he pulled off the greatest fightback in the history of the DTM. “The race was simply magical for me. I celebrated afterwards. It was a long evening. I just didn’t want to go to bed,” said an overjoyed Dirk Werner. It’s amazing how much can change within a matter of hours.

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:19

A game of change.
Pit stops in the DTM – a battle against the clock, where every thousandth of a second could make the difference between victory and defeat. Few crews are as well versed in the art of changing a tyre quickly as BMW Team Schnitzer.

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Everything must run perfectly during a pit stop. It is all about routine, precision and speed. In a sport, in which fractions of a second are all important, everything cog must fall perfectly into place. It is with good reason that the DTM crews spend all year practicing their pit stops, in order to ensure that everything goes to plan come the races.
BMW Team Schnitzer has perfected the pit stop. At the race in Hockenheim, the team from Freilassing was once again the fastest when it came to changing tyres. On lap 18, they had Bruno Spengler back up and running on a new set of tyres in about three seconds. The entire stop, from pit lane to exit: 20.206 seconds.
The third fastest change at the opening race of the season also went to BMW Team Schnitzer: Dirk Werner benefitted decisively from the crew’s efforts. Because his team was flawless with a wheel gun, he was able to launch the greatest fightback in the history of the DTM and climb from 20th on the grid to runner-up. As this example shows perfectly, a driver can never win by himself – motor racing is always about teamwork.

BMW Power

12-05-13, 12:19

Next stop, Great Britain.
Following Augusto Farfus’ and Dirk Werner’s one-two at the first round of the 2013 DTM in Hockenheim, the BMW teams travel to the second race of the season with the wind in their sails.

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The “Brands Hatch Circuit” in Great Britain will host the popular touring car series on 19th May. Last year, BMW Team Schnitzer’s Bruno Spengler stepped onto the podium as runner-up. Martin Tomczyk of BMW Team RMG finished fourth to score valuable points, and also clocked the fastest race lap in a time of 42.138 seconds.
The race weekend at Brands Hatch is the first of four trips abroad for the DTM this season. Situated south-east of London, the circuit is the shortest on the race calendar at just 1.929 kilometres. The eight BMW drivers will have completed 98 laps in their BMW M3 DTMs by the time they see the chequered flag. A lap of Brands Hatch is like a rollercoaster ride. The Paddock Hill corner – the circuit’s show-piece – is particularly spectacular. After the start/finish straight, the cars accelerate at high speed into a dip to their right.
The circuit is of particular importance to one BMW driver: Andy Priaulx. The three-time World Touring Car Champion cannot wait for his home race. After a difficult start to the season, with Priaulx’s challenge coming to a premature end in Hockenheim due to a technical problem, the BMW Team RMG driver is looking forward to going back on the attack in front of his home fans. In 2007 and 2010 he was victorious for BMW in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) on the longer Grand Prix Circuit. Farfus has also won a race there at the wheel of the BMW 320si WTCC. The duo now returns to the scene of their successes with the BMW M3 DTM.
The race weekend is also special for Farfus and Tomczyk, but for a different reason: immediately after the second round of the DTM, the two drivers, along with BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, will travel to the Nürburgring. Once in the “Green Hell”, they will be in action in the BMW Z4 GT3 at the iconic 24-hour race.

BMW Power

13-05-13, 15:46

What the drivers say.
Reactions ahead of the second race of the 2013 DTM season in Brands Hatch.

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Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“At just 1.929 kilometres, the circuit is really short. For that reason, qualifying is very important at Brands Hatch. Only those right at the front of the grid have any chance of a top result. In the past, there have only been a few overtaking opportunities. Maybe, with the introduction of the new option tyres and DRS it will be a different story this season. After finishing fifth at the opening race in Hockenheim, I am fired up ahead of the second race.”

Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“Second place in Hockenheim has obviously given me a lot of confidence. That was the perfect start to the new DTM season for me. However, as nice as that success was for me, we all start from scratch again at Brands Hatch. Therefore, I go into the race with the same goals and expectations as ever. I will do my very best again in Britain, and try to come away with a good result. That won’t be easy, as qualifying is extremely close on the short circuit. Every thousandth of a second counts. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM):
“The Brands Hatch race is going to be a very interesting one for several reasons. First of all, 98 laps round a circuit that is just under two kilometres long is going to be quite a challenge, and what you would call a busy race. We saw in Hockenheim the effects of the DRS, so here at a circuit where overtaking is traditionally difficult this could make for a very exciting race. Last year traffic management during the race was crucial for a good result and I expect the same will be true this weekend. All in all it will be a busy weekend, as the moment the race is over I shall be heading to the Nürburgring, where I have an appointment for the 24-hour race.”

Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM):
“Without doubt I am feeling very confident going into our second race of the year on the back of my best result in the DTM in Hockenheim. It is great to have a year of experience under my belt, especially in terms of knowing the circuits. However, Brands Hatch was one of the circuits I did actually know from the past last year. Add to that the extra knowledge BMW Team RBM has of the track from the WTCC days and I expect to be in good form this weekend. The circuit is fun, but with 22 DTM cars on such a short track you are on the go all the time. I reckon the fans could see some pretty awesome racing with the DRS playing a big role.”

Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG):
“We can expect a similarly exciting race at Brands Hatch to the one we saw in Hockenheim. Under certain circumstances, the option tyres will provide the odd opportunity to overtake – and that would be a revolution at Brands Hatch. Although I will travel on to the Nürburgring 24 Hours after Brands Hatch, the DTM initially takes absolute priority for me. I will be fully focussed on my job with BMW Team RMG. Only once I have crossed the finish line at Brands Hatch will I switch to 24-hour mode.”

Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG):
“My main objectives this weekend are to realise the strong performance that we showed at times in Hockenheim, finish the race and rack up some points. Being a home race can be an added pressure, but one I feel has to be converted into something positive, which means I want to give my fans and family something to cheer about. I never tire of racing on this track and, without doubt, Paddock Hill Bend is up there with my list of the most demanding corners in motorsport. In many ways, this will be an even busier weekend for me and my engineer as, unlike Hockenheim, we have not tested here with the changes. Therefore, I expect the 90 minutes of free practice to be fairly hectic.”

Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK):
“I am optimistic, and have a good feeling ahead of the race in Great Britain. Above all, I hope I will not have the same kind of misfortune in qualifying as I had last time out in Hockenheim. In the race itself, I had the pace to go on the attack. The big question is what effect the DRS will have on the short track at Brands Hatch. With lower top speeds than in Hockenheim, it probably won’t have quite such a big effect. Let’s wait and see."

Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK):
“I am entering uncharted waters at Brands Hatch, as I have never raced on this circuit before. Because of this, it will be important for BMW Team MTEK and me to get as many kilometres as possible under our belt during the free practice, in order to gather the relative reference values. Only a few hours after the practice session, we will be back out there battling for starting positions in qualifying. Although not everything went entirely to plan at the opening race in Hockenheim, I have taken a lot of positives from my first DTM weekend. The DTM is a fantastic racing series, and I am looking forward to my second appearance.”

BMW Power

18-05-13, 17:56

Brands-Hatch: Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130519/Brands-Hatch/Results/Qualifying.html)

PDF (http://www.dtm.com/ergebnisse/pdf/2013-05-19d.pdf)

BMW Power

31-05-13, 10:30

02.06.2013 RED BULL RING SPIELBERG (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130602/Red-Bull-Ring-Spielberg/zeitplan.html)

BMW Power

01-06-13, 20:16

Red-Bull-Ring-Spielberg: Qualifying
(http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130602/Red-Bull-Ring-Spielberg/Results/Qualifying.html)

Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/ergebnisse/pdf/2013-06-02d.pdf)

BMW Power

01-06-13, 20:18

Special journey for the BMW DTM stars

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BMW cars steeped in history, picturesque Alpine scenery and a meeting of sport stars from different disciplines: the participants on the BMW Sports & Classic Rally have so far enjoyed an exciting programme en route from Munich to Spielberg, the venue for the third DTM race of the year. Friday morning saw the eight BMW DTM drivers, media representatives and other BMW sport stars, including BMW Group Sports Ambassador Katarina Witt, BMW Brand Ambassador Prince Leopold of Bavaria and BMW Running Ambassador Jan Fitschen stop off at Königssee. They were greeted there by athletes from the German Bobsleigh, Luge, and Skeleton Federation.

The BMW Sports & Classic Rally had started out from the BMW Museum in Munich on Thursday, with the route initially taking the historic BMW cars – including legends like the BMW 328, the BMW Z8 and the 1987 BMW M3 – on an 82-kilometre stretch to Schliersee. After an hour-long break, the caravan continued to Berchtesgaden. The participants covered a good 130 kilometres on the second leg of their journey and were then able to swap stories of their trip during a pleasant “Hüttenabend” – a typical Bavarian evening in a fine restaurant in the Alps.

“I am absolutely thrilled by this rally,” said Martin Tomczyk. “Ok, it did rain, but that did not dampen the mood among the participants in any way. It was nice having a chat with our colleagues from the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton team again. It gave you a great impression of what guys like Francesco Friedrich and Manuel Machata have to do in the steering seat of their bobsleighs.” Bob, luge and skeleton athletes Felix Loch (luge), Manuel Machata (bob), Francesco Friedrich (bob), Natalie Geisenberger (luge), Anja Huber (skeleton) and national bobsleigh coach Christoph Langen gave the other rally participants an insight into the secrets of their respective sports.

“You could really tell how the motorsport guys love speed – and it is well-known that we bob drivers have plenty of that to offer,” said world bobsleigh champion Friedrich. “It was fun giving our fellow sportsmen and women an insight into our sport. And I am now really looking forward to our trip to the DTM race in Spielberg.”

The same goes for Fitschen, who is currently Germany’s best marathon runner. “It is absolutely fascinating to gain an insight into so many aspects of BMW’s commitment to sport over the course of this rally,” said the distance runner. “The DTM drivers are all very open, and Augusto Farfus was particularly interested in running. At the same time, I found both the vintage BMW cars and the trip to the bob track at Königssee very interesting. I am now really looking forward to seeing what the weekend has in store.”

Glock was also taken by the rather unique preparations for his third ever DTM weekend. “I was absolutely thrilled by the BMW 3.0 CSL, which I drove first. And the first generation of BMW M3 was also fantastic to drive. I really enjoyed getting to know the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton team. I have great respect for the German squad who, as is well known, have been among the best around for years in the bob, luge and skeleton.”

After the flying visit to Königssee, the BMW DTM drivers travelled directly to Spielberg, while the remaining participants in the BMW Sports & Classic Rally – now bolstered by the bob and luge stars – tackled a further three stages.

BMW Power

01-06-13, 20:26

BMW sports stars visit Spielberg.
They have made it: after two days and five stages, the BMW Sports & Classic Rally has reached its end in Ehrenhausen, near Graz.

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BMW sport stars including BMW Group Sport Ambassador Katarina Witt, BMW Brand Ambassador Prince Leopold of Bavaria and BMW Running Ambassador Jan Fitschen have been on the road since Thursday in historic BMW cars. Starting out at the BMW Museum in Munich, the rally stopped in at Schliersee, Königssee and Wörthersee on the way to its final destination. The participants did not allow the constant rain and unseasonal low temperatures to dampen the good spirit.
At Ehrenhausen the rally, which consisted of iconic BMW cars like the BMW 328, BMW 3.0 CSL, BMW M1 and the BMW Z8, reached its conclusion with a closing event in a jovial atmosphere. The participants took the opportunity to look back on their experiences over the course of the 780-kilometre journey. From there, a number of the sportsmen and women, along with the other guests, headed to Spielberg on Saturday, where Red Bull Ring hosts the third race of the DTM season this weekend. Once there, the participants were reunited with the eight BMW DTM drivers, who had joined them on the first two legs of the BMW Sports & Classic Rally.
The visit allowed the BMW sport stars to experience the world of motorsport at close hand. Germany’s number one marathon runner Fitschen, world luge champion Natalie Geisenberger and Olympic luge champion Felix Loch were given an exclusive taxi ride in a BMW M3 GT2 racing car, with BMW works driver Dirk Adorf at the wheel.
“That was really cool,” said Geisenberger after her second taxi lap of the Red Bull Ring. “I would have braked a bit earlier than Dirk here and there, but a racing driver obviously has a car like this under far better control than you or I. Anyway, I don’t do a lot of braking in the ice channel. We are getting a great insight into the work of the BMW teams here – and it is great fun.”
Loch also raved about his outing on the 4.326-kilometre track: “It was not my first taxi ride, so I had some idea of what to expect. It is just great fun to fly round the circuit in a racing car and see exactly what is possible. We could quite happily have driven another ten laps. Luge and motorsport both have speed in common. And the fascination for high speed is similarly high in both sports.”
Skeleton world champion Anja Huber, bobsleigh world champion Francesco Friedrich and his pusher Jannis Bäcker also enjoyed visiting the four BMW teams at the Red Bull Ring. Among other things, the sport stars received a special garage tour from BMW Team Schnitzer, getting a unique look behind the scenes of the DTM.
“I usually run at about 20 km/h, but this was obviously far quicker,” said Fitschen. “I was a little bit uneasy before the ride, but it was enormous fun. A crazy feeling. We are really close to the action here and can get a clear picture of what the eight BMW drivers, who took part in the BMW Sports & Classic Rally with us, get up to. I will have my fingers crossed for the guys in qualifying later.”

BMW Power

03-06-13, 08:09

BMW locks out front row in Spielberg.
BMW Motorsport enjoyed a fantastic qualifying ahead of the third DTM race of the season in Spielberg.

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Bruno Spengler secured pole position in the BMW Bank M3 DTM. This will be the fourth time the Canadian has started from the very front of the grid for BMW, and the first time this season. The 2012 champion now has a total of 15 poles to his name. For BMW Motorsport, this was the 36th pole position in its DTM history. Marco Wittmann finished second in only his third DTM qualifying. He will start alongside Spengler on the front row in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM, completing the first all-BMW front row of 2013. Augusto Farfus also made it through to Q4 in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM and ultimately qualified fourth. For the first time since the manufacturer returned to the series last year, BMW had three BMW M3 DTMs in the top-four shootout. All four BMW teams made it into the top ten – another first.
Martin Tomczyk finished ninth in Q3 at the wheel of the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM, but will start the race from eighth, as Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller was relegated five places on the grid. A close second session saw Dirk Werner and Timo Glock finish just outside the top ten. Werner, who was 11th fastest in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM, missed out on Q3 by just three thousandths of a second, while Glock was just 0.041 seconds too slow in the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM and starts from 13th on the grid.
Joey Hand was unable to back up his fine display in free practice, in which he set the fastest time. Being 19th meant he dropped out of qualifying in Q1. Andy Priaulx finished 22nd in the Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“What a crazy qualifying for BMW! Champion Bruno Spengler on pole, rookie Marco Wittmann right behind him in second, and Augusto Farfus in fourth – we are all extremely happy. Before today, we had never had three drivers in the top four since our return to the series. BMW Team Schnitzer worked magnificently throughout qualifying. Our new recruits BMW Team MTEK did a fantastic job, which I am particularly pleased about. I have to pay a huge compliment to the entire team, as that was a very impressive display. The bad weather held off today, but anything could happen tomorrow.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal BMW Team Schnitzer):
“That is our first pole position of the year – and I am really happy. We noticed in free practice that, given the right circumstances, this could be our day. Bruno Spengler soon found a very good rhythm here in Spielberg. A huge compliment goes to the engineers, who really came up with a very good set-up for these conditions. The combination of Bruno and the BMW Bank M3 DTM was impressively strong today. Dirk Werner was only a few thousandths of a second off making it into Q3. For him too, anything is possible tomorrow.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, pole position):
“I am over the moon about this pole position – my first of the season. Qualifying was sensational. I had a fantastic car and was able to push in each phase. The BMW Bank M3 DTM did exactly what I wanted it to. However, we have only done 50 per cent of the job. The points are not up for grabs until tomorrow. The guys behind me have DRS and will be doing everything they can to overtake me.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 2nd):
“To start the race from the front row after only the third qualifying of my DTM career is just awesome. I am overjoyed and particularly pleased for BMW Team MTEK, who did a great job. That was a fantastic qualifying for BMW Motorsport in general. We are well prepared for tomorrow’s race. My race pace was very good in Hockenheim and at Brands Hatch. I am looking forward to the race in Spielberg. I will do my best. Let’s just see if the weather plays ball.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 4th):
“We were struggling a bit coming into qualifying, so I am happy to take this fourth place. I made a mistake, which probably cost me the front row, but it is fine. This is my fifth Q4 in a row, so I should not complain. I think it is important to be in front and I am happy to be there. As usual, we shall just wait and see what happens in the race.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 9th):
“I did the best I could with my car. We tried to change the car a lot after practice, but unfortunately we could not do any better. I am now hoping for rain during tomorrow’s race. Perhaps the conditions will allow me to move through the field. I will go all out to get a good result.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 11th):
“That was amazingly close! That would have been my first time in Q3 this season, so it is a real shame. However, the car was good and 11th is not a bad place to start from. I am optimistic about the race.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 13th):
“That was a problematic qualifying. Even in Q1 I had problems with the tyres, but still made it into Q2. In Q2 I did not have enough grip and could not drive any faster. That is a shame, as the times were unbelievably close.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RMG, 19th):
“It wasn't the best effort, for sure. I struggled with the car in qualifying and I just couldn't get the lap together. The car was capable of going better than that, but it was tough. The good news is that the BMW M3 DTM is good. It was there in practice, but that is the way it goes. DTM is like that, if you don't get it right you are at the back of the pack.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 22nd):
“I am very surprised as the car was good in free practice, and it felt okay in qualifying. I put a fairly good lap together, but I am really disappointed and cannot understand what went wrong. I now need to look at the data to understand why. That's the name of the game. I just have to do my best from where we are.”

BMW Power

03-06-13, 08:10

BMW celebrates historic one-two-three.
BMW Motorsport has added another chapter to its remarkable success story in the DTM.

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at the end of 47 laps, reigning champion Bruno Spengler crossed the finish line first in the BMW Bank M3 DTM to win the third race of the 2013 DTM in Spielberg. Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) came home second, just 1.550 seconds later. He was followed by Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM), Wittmann’s BMW Team MTEK team-mate, who completed the first one-two-three for BMW since returning to the DTM in 2012. It was also the first appearance on the podium for the two rookies, in only their third race.

This was the tenth time in the history of the DTM that the podium had been completely monopolised by BMW drivers, while BMW Team Schnitzer celebrated its 13th victory in the popular touring car series. Spengler, who started the race from pole position, climbed onto the top step of the podium for the 14th time in his career. The Canadian dominated the race from the off and moved to the top of the Drivers’ Championship on 53 points courtesy of his first win of the season. In addition, Wittmann set the fastest lap of the race in 1:25.505 minutes.

Augusto Farfus in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM and Dirk Werner in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM also picked up valuable points, coming home sixth and eighth. Therefore, five BMW drivers ended the race in the top eight. Martin Tomczyk produced an excellent opening lap to move up to fifth after the first few corners. After a number of fierce duels with rivals and his first pit stop, he was spun by Mercedes driver Roberto Merhi, who was subsequently penalised. Tomczyk retired from the race on lap 30 with a damaged car. Joey Hand had to park up his BMW M3 DTM on the 11th lap when the front-left wheel came loose after his first pit stop. Andy Priaulx, starting from last place on the grid, was unable to make the progress required to finish in the points, ending the race in 19th in the Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM.

BMW Power

03-06-13, 08:10

Reactions to the race in Spielberg.
Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the four team principals and eight drivers had to say after the third race of the season.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That is a historic triumph for BMW. It is the first time since our DTM comeback that we have had three BMW drivers on the podium. I am very proud of the entire team. Bruno Spengler produced a flawless display, leading from start to finish to move to the top of the overall standings. The new BMW Team MTEK and its team principal Ernest Knoors also deserves a huge compliment: in only their third DTM race, our young rookie Marco Wittmann and our somewhat older rookie Timo Glock finished second and third to claim their first podiums. You have to take your hat off to that. Everything really came together perfectly today. We must make sure we savour the achievement. We will enjoy today.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“That was a great race day for us in Spielberg. It is nice to get our first win of the year under our belts. Bruno Spengler did another fantastic job. It was once again a very close affair. It is very competitive out there. However, he just keeps on pulling out flawless displays. The engineers provided him with a perfect car for the job. It has been our day – our weekend. Everything came together perfectly: the pit stops, strategy, everything. That is how racing should be. Dirk Werner also finished in the points, making it a very successful race weekend for us.”
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“It is simply unbelievable that we have reached this level in such a short time. Our team is young and motivated – and learning every day. We want to enjoy this moment of success. That obviously takes a bit of pressure off us. Our drivers Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock deserve great praise. They have integrated superbly in the team and have pushed us on. We knew we could be successful if everything came together. That was the case today.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“This is a fantastic result for BMW. Congratulations to the other two teams. We didn’t have the ideal pace today. For a while it looked as though Augusto Farfus might not even finish in the top ten. Then our pit crew produced a great stop to make sixth place possible. In contrast, the stop did not go to plan for Joey Hand. These things can happen when you are changing the tyres within a matter of seconds. Despite this, thank you to the crew, who secured sixth place for us. We expected more but, generally speaking, it is a great day for BMW.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“Congratulations to BMW Motorsport. That really is a fantastic overall result. And congratulations to BMW Team MTEK and team principal Ernest Knoors, for whom I am particularly pleased. We were also a new team when we celebrated our first podium here in 2012. I know how he feels now. We, on the other hand, had another difficult race. Above all, it is a shame Martin Tomczyk’s race was once again ruined by a rival car, just as it was last time out.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 1st):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“A one-two-three is simply sensational. That does not happen very often in motor racing. We had one of those weekends, for which you spend your entire life working. However, it was not as easy as it looked. My pace was very good throughout the entire race, but I had to push in the middle of my first stint in order to stay in front. This victory belongs to BMW Team Schnitzer. The strategy, with the late second stop, was the key to the success.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 2nd):
Tyres: Option-Standard- Standard
“I am extremely happy with second place. Bruno was simply unbeatable today. I did not get off to a particularly good start, but had fantastic pace after that and was able to pull away from the cars behind me. It was an awesome race for BMW Team MTEK. My team-mate Timo Glock also made it onto the podium in only his third DTM race – just as I did. That is definitely worthy of a celebration.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 3rd):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“That was a dream weekend for everyone at BMW Team MTEK. To land both cars on the podium in only our third race, and with such a short period of preparation: you cannot overstate the achievement. Thank you to my crew – the strategy was perfect today. It has taken almost four years for me to finally be back on the podium. It is awesome that it happened so quickly in the DTM. The one-two-three for BMW is also magnificent.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 6th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“The car was difficult to drive. However, we survived even though car was just not quick enough. It is just good to bring some points home, but I had obviously hoped for more than that. Congratulations to the guys on the podium. They did a great job.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 8th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“It was an exciting race. I had a very good start and first lap, which I am happy about. After my pit stop, with the option tyres I had quite a good pace, but not quite good enough to be as fast as Timo. I was hanging on and was quite happy with the car. In the end after our second pit stop I came out in a group of cars where we really had to fight hard to defend positions. I lost one to Ekström but was able to keep Paffett behind me. I am happy about the points.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 19th):
Tyres: Option-Standard- Standard
“I really have very little to say after today's race. I wish I could explain exactly what the problem is. The car was just not quick enough. I have tried everything I can to find the solution and so has the team, so it is not from a lack of trying. We must try to forget this race as quickly as possible.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, DNF):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“The race started well and I was in fifth soon after the start. Basically my car was not good enough to follow the others, but after the crash with Merhi it was not drivable anymore and I had to retire. It is a shame but it is like it is. This is the second time this year I have not been able to finish a race, so I am not happy about that.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, DNF):
Tyres: Standard-Option
“Mistakes happen. That is motor racing. We win and lose together, so I am not blaming my mechanics. I am proud to be a part of this fantastic BMW Team RBM. The guys work pretty hard for their success. Generally speaking, my car was not as bad as my start position possibly suggested. The Parc Fermé conditions obviously mean we cannot change very much overnight after qualifying. However, I am certain I could have made up a few places. It is a real shame.”

BMW Power

03-06-13, 08:12

Red-Bull-Ring-Spielberg: Race (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130602/Red-Bull-Ring-Spielberg/Results/Race.html)

Standings (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

BMW Power

05-06-13, 09:13

Η BMW Motorsport πρόσθεσε ένα ακόμα κεφάλαιο στην επιτυχημένη ιστορία της στο DTM.

04.06.2013

https://mediapool.bmwgroup.com/download/edown/pressclub/publicq?actEvent=scaleZoom&dokNo=P90124502&quality=80

Spielberg (AT) 02th June 2013. BMW Motorsport. Jens Marquardt (DE) BMW Motorsport Director, Second Place Driver Marco Wittmann
Spielberg. Στο τέλος των 47 γύρων, ο εν ενεργεία πρωταθλητής Bruno Spengler διέσχισε τη γραμμή τερματισμού πρώτος με την BMW Bank M3 DTM κερδίζοντας τον τρίτο αγώνα του φετινού πρωταθλήματος DTM στο Spielberg. Ο Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) τερμάτισε δεύτερος, με διαφορά μόλις 1,550”.
Τον ακολούθησε ο Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM), ο Team Mate του Wittmann στην BMW Team MTEK, που επισφράγισε το πρώτο ‘1-2-3’ για την BMW, από το 2012 όταν επέστρεψε στο DTM. Ήταν επίσης η πρώτη εμφάνιση στο βάθρο για τους δύο rookies, στον τρίτο τους μόλις αγώνα.

Για δέκατη φορά στην ιστορία του DTM το βάθρο μονοπωλήθηκε αποκλειστικά από οδηγούς της BMW, ενώ η BMW Team Schnitzer γιόρτασε τη 13η νίκη της στο δημοφιλές πρωτάθλημα αυτοκινήτων τουρισμού.
Ο Spengler, ο οποίος ξεκίνησε τον αγώνα από pole position, ανέβηκε στο πρώτο σκαλί του βάθρου για 14η φορά στην καριέρα του.
Ο Καναδός ήταν κυρίαρχος του παιχνιδιού από την αρχή και πέρασε στην πρώτη θέση του Πρωταθλήματος Οδηγών με 53 βαθμούς χάρη στην πρώτη του νίκη τη φετινή σεζόν. Επιπλέον, ο Wittmann σημείωσε τον ταχύτερο γύρο του αγώνα με 1:25.505.

Ο Augusto Farfus με την Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM και ο Dirk Werner με τη SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM συγκέντρωσαν επίσης πολύτιμους βαθμούς μετά από τερματισμούς στην έκτη και όγδοη θέση. Επομένως, πέντε οδηγοί της BMW βρέθηκαν στην πρώτη οκτάδα.
Ο Martin Tomczyk έκανε έναν εξαιρετικό πρώτο γύρο που τον ανέβασε στην πέμπτη θέση μετά τις πρώτες στροφές.

Αφού προηγήθηκαν αρκετές άγριες μάχες με αντιπάλους και έκανε το πρώτο του pit stop, αναγκάστηκε να εγκαταλείψει στον 30ό γύρο με κατεστραμμένο αυτοκίνητο λόγω επαφής με τη Mercedes του Roberto Merhi στον οποίο και επιβλήθηκε ποινή στη συνέχεια.
Ο Joey Hand αναγκάστηκε επίσης να εγκαταλείψει με την BMW M3 DTM στον 11ο γύρο όταν ο εμπρός αριστερός τροχός παρουσίασε πρόβλημα μετά το πρώτο του pit stop.
Ο Andy Priaulx, τελευταίος στη σειρά εκκίνησης δεν κατάφερε να σημειώσει την απαραίτητη πρόοδο για να τερματίσει σε βαθμολογούμενη θέση, και ολοκλήρωσε τον αγώνα στη 19η θέση με την Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM του.

BMW Power

05-06-13, 09:26

“It feels amazing to win a race again."
BMW Motorsport enjoyed a sensational weekend at the Red Bull Ring: Bruno Spengler won his first DTM race of the year, followed by Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock, who made their first appearances on the podium. The BMW drivers scored a total of 70 points.

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Bruno, how good does the first win of the season feel?
Bruno Spengler: “It feels amazing to win a race again. Mind you, my last victory was not so long ago, as it was the last race of 2012 in Hockenheim. This season started well with fifth place in Hockenheim, despite a few problems with the car during the race. However, this was not entirely our fault: I was a bit unlucky because I had some debris in my splitter, which made my race a bit difficult. But Brands Hatch was amazing to get second place. And then winning here is the cherry on the cake. I am so happy. Add to that the fact it was a one-two-three for BMW and it just shows what we can do. I also have to thank BMW Team Schnitzer, as the guys did an amazing job setting up the car, which was great the whole weekend.”
The race looked as though it went like clockwork for you. Was it as easy as it looked?
Spengler: “It maybe looked like that, but at some points it wasn't that easy. My first goal was to pull away enough to be out of the DRS zone after three laps, which I managed to do. After that, Marco behind me was a little bit quicker for a couple of laps. I then managed to pull away again and get myself in a safe position with a margin of a few seconds. All the time I was concentrating and making sure not to make any mistakes. It was important to have a good strategy. Stopping late was exactly the right decision. I was able to drive a long time and consistently on my old tyres.”
You are part of BMW history. How important is that when you look back at what you have achieved?
Spengler: “I am amazed and proud when I look back at what I have achieved with BMW so far. However, I believe there is a lot more to come, because I am very motivated to win more races and championships. On race weekends it doesn’t cross your mind, but when I am back at home and alone I do think about it. I got the 50th win for BMW at Lausitzring in 2012 and then the championship in the first year after the comeback. Then having a car from BMW – the BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition – is awesome. M has always fascinated me. It means pure motorsport to me. It makes me incredibly proud and happy to be so closely associated with BMW.”

BMW Power

07-06-13, 10:43

One podium, two team-mates.
BMW Team MTEK could hardly have wished for a more successful race weekend in Spielberg. Marco Wittmann finished runner-up, Timo Glock came home third. In a joint interview, the team-mates discuss their rookie seasons in the DTM.

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Marco and Timo, before the start of the season, could you ever have dreamed of standing on the podium after just your third race?
Marco Wittmann: “I obviously hoped to be competitive from the word go. Then the pace was already there in the first two races. Holding the runner-up trophy in my hands and spraying the champagne was a very special moment. It shows we have been working well as a team over the past weeks and months.”
Timo Glock: “Exactly. You must not forget the new BMW Team MTEK outfit only had a very short time to prepare for the season. We knew we had a lot to learn in the DTM. The races in Hockenheim and Brands Hatch were evidence of that. But then everything came together perfectly in Spielberg – and we showed what we are capable of as a team.”
It has been a while for both of you since you last stepped onto the podium...
Glock: “Yes, my last visit to the podium was after the Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore in 2009. I had almost forgotten how good it feels to be up there. The team’s celebrations, the fans, the emotions: moments like these are why you take up motorsport. I enjoyed it and would quite happily have driven home in my champagne-soaked racing overall.”
Wittmann: “I learned a lot during my year as test and development driver for BMW Motorsport in 2012. However, it goes without saying I did miss the actual racing a bit. The same goes for the celebrations after a successful race day. When it finally happened again in Spielberg, I was overcome with joy.”
It is barely noticeable that you two are both DTM rookies. Why do you think that is?
Wittmann: “BMW prepared me systematically for my first season, so I don’t really feel like a rookie. However, when we arrive at a circuit, at which I have never driven a DTM car, then I am pretty much starting from scratch. Thankfully we have managed to come to terms with the circuits very quickly so far.”
Glock: “The podium is fantastic, but I still have an awful lot to learn about the DTM, and have a lot of room for improvement. During the preparations I certainly had a few moments when things did not go so well, and I had to rein in my expectations. However, I am feeling more and more comfortable with every race. The result at the weekend shows the performance is there when everything comes together. That is a good feeling, and gives you a lot of confidence.”
And you showed the critics that former Formula One drivers can make it onto the podium...
Glock: “To be honest, I never saw that as a big issue. The DTM is a challenge for any driver, regardless of where he has driven before. Maybe this result will help banish this topic for a while. There are bound to be set-backs, but we are definitely heading in the right direction.”
How do you get on as team-mates?
Wittmann: “Many years ago, Timo was on the jury when I was racing in the Deutsche Post Speed Academy. Now we are standing side-by-side on the podium. That is a great story, and perhaps one of a kind in motor racing. We take no prisoners out on the track, but the atmosphere in the team is excellent and we are all pulling together.”
Glock: “Even back then it was clear to me that Marco is extremely quick. He has huge potential. I have a few more years of motor racing under my belt, but he knows the DTM a bit better. It is a wonderful combination.”

BMW Power

10-06-13, 13:33

Back where it all began.
BMW celebrated its first victory in the DTM for 20 years at the Lausitzring – and now returns as champion.

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Just two weeks after the historic one-two-three achieved by Bruno Spengler, Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock at the Red Bull Ring, the BMW teams face their next DTM challenge on 16th June: after a strong display that yielded 70 points in total in the Steiermark, the eight drivers are fired up and ready to go as the Lausitzring hosts the fourth round of the season.
BMW made history last year at the Lausitzring, which is located 130 kilometres south of Berlin. Just two races into its comeback season, the manufacturer was back on the top of the DTM podium. Spengler started from pole position and, 52 laps later, crossed the finish line first at the wheel of the BMW Bank M3 DTM. This success saw the BMW Team Schnitzer driver lay the foundation from which he went on to win the title in the final race of the season in Hockenheim. The win was BMW’s 50th victory in the DTM. Augusto Farfus came home third in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM to complete a fantastic overall result.
Spengler now returns to the Lausitzring as the championship leader on 53 points. BMW Team Schnitzer leads the team standings with 75 points, followed by BMW Team RBM (49 points) and BMW Team MTEK (47) in second and third. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, BMW has extended its advantage courtesy of the one-two-three in Spielberg and now leads with 171 points.
The Lausitzring is hosting the touring car series for the 15th time. The circuit is driven anti-clockwise and offers more variants than almost any other in Germany. The DTM race will be held on the 3.478-kilometre loop, which consists of parts of the trioval and the regular circuit.
For the first time this season, there will be another roll-out of the DTM cars on Friday. The cars will take to the track between 18:45 and 19:00hrs.

BMW Power

17-06-13, 08:04

What the drivers say.
Reactions ahead of the fourth round of the 2013 season at the Lausitzring.

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Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“I really like this track a lot. I claimed the first pole and victory for BMW there last year, so I obviously have very nice memories of the circuit. It is a very technical track from a driver's point of view, as you need to know where to brake. I believe we should be able to overtake with the DRS, and the car is also very good at the Lausitzring. I am also really looking forward to the atmosphere there.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“It is a race where I really want to achieve something because last year I started 21st and came in 19th. Obviously this year I want to finish further up the field and leave with some points to my name. I have learned a lot and hope to fare better this time around. I have raced at the Lausitzring a couple of times in other series, but the DTM car is a completely different beast. We will also be driving the shorter variant. I just have to adapt again and, to a certain degree, re-learn the track in a DTM car.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM):
“It is a very special race weekend for me, as this was where I achieved my very first front row start and my first podium last year. We were very competitive and I like the track. It is unique. It is very bumpy, but last year it worked for us so let's hope it stays that way. We want to take the momentum we have gained through the positive start to the season and repeat last year's success.”

Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM):
“I am excited about returning to the Lausitzring. It is what we call a roval in the States – a road course oval – and historically I have been very strong at such tracks in Phoenix and Daytona. I am hoping we can come straight out of the trailer and do well. I think it is a bit of a special place. There are some tricks there and last year it took me until after qualifying to figure out a couple of corners that I wasn't doing properly. Now I know the little tricks, I think I can start fast there.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG):
“The Lausitzring is quite a tricky circuit, as you have everything a race track should have – slow corners and fast sections. Last year we were very competitive and BMW did well and really made a point. It is the type of race track where you can never predict who will be the winner, so it will be very tough. I think we are well prepared for this race.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG):
“This circuit has a lot of different corners as well as low grip and some bumps, but the good thing is there are plenty of overtaking possibilities and so we should be able to use the DRS. It is always good to go back to a track where BMW proved it was strong last year and, with its first win in only its second race after an absence of 20 years, BMW certainly did this in 2012. As always, I just want to put into practice what I learnt last year.”

Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK):
“I am really looking forward to the race, as this season has gone very well for me so far. The Lausitzring is a really nice track and I have already driven there in Formula 3 and Formula BMW. The first part of the track has a lot of left and right-handers and you need to set the car up well for the corners. After that you have hard braking points and a very fast right-hand corner. This all makes the layout rather unique, so you need to have a good set-up for everything to find the right compromise. Again it will be a tough challenge in free practice to find a good set-up.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK):
“It is many years since the last time I drove at the Lausitzring, so it will be the same story as in Spielberg. However, the track we shall be on is different to the one I experienced back then. They have also changed turn one a bit. However, it should still be easier than Brands hatch, which I didn’t know at all. So I am hoping I can continue to improve and take the next step forward. It would also be nice to get the kind of weather we ought to be getting at this time of year, for the first time this season.”

BMW Power

17-06-13, 08:04

Difficult qualifying at the Lausitzring.
After the one-two-three in Spielberg, the BMW DTM teams endured a difficult qualifying ahead of the fourth race of the season at the Lausitzring.

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Bruno Spengler was the best-placed BMW driver, qualifying fifth in the BMW Bank M3 DTM. The reigning DTM champion, driving for BMW Team Schnitzer, was just ten thousandths of a second off making it into the top-four qualifying.
Augusto Farfus was also in action in Q3, at the wheel of the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM. The BMW Team RBM man was tenth fastest. However, the 29-year-old is relegated five positions on the grid after using a set of tyres that was not nominated for his car during free practice.
Dirk Werner, Spengler’s BMW Team Schnitzer team-mate, bowed out of qualifying in Q2 after finishing 12th in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM. Two places behind Werner, in 14th, was Timo Glock in the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM. Both drivers move up a place on the grid due to Farfus’s relegation.
For four of the BMW drivers, qualifying was over after just 16 minutes. Martin Tomczyk returned his BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM to the BMW Team RMG garage with a technical fault midway through Q1 and will start from the back of the field in 22nd, directly behind Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM), Joey Hand (BMW M3 DTM) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) in 19th, 20th and 21st respectively.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“We are obviously not happy with this qualifying. The positive thing is Bruno Spengler still managed to qualify fifth, despite the difficulties we obviously had here at the Lausitzring. He missed out on Q4 by just ten thousandths of a second. Right from the outset, the set-up was not good. Because of this, we had to make pretty drastic changes, which worked better for some drivers than others. Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz and Christian Vietoris on pole position. This result is further evidence of just how evenly balanced the DTM is. You have to work hard for every success, and everything has to come together perfectly. If that is not the case, the opposition is ready to pounce immediately. However, tomorrow is another day.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 5th):
“We had problems finding the perfect set-up for our car today. Even in free practice we did not look particularly good. The shorter weekend leaves little time to make decisive modifications ahead of qualifying. However, my team did a great job. In the end I was not far off making it into Q4. Tomorrow is a new day. Fifth on the grid is a good position from which to attack. We’ll see what happens in the race. Congratulations to Christian Vietoris and his crew.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 10th / 15th on the grid):
“We struggled a bit today, but I am sure our race pace will be better. The race is long so I am still positive and looking forward to it. It is unfortunate about my five place grid penalty. A misunderstanding in free practice resulted in ususing the wrong tyres. It gave us no advantage at all, but that's part of the game. I now have to look forward and not backwards and think I can make up some positions and score some points.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 12th / 11th on the grid:
“I did my best, but the car was very hard to drive today. It was close, but unfortunately I missed out on Q3, which is disappointing. However, we have seen often this season it is possible to make up a lot of ground in the race, and that is what I’ll be attempting to do.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 14th / 13th on the grid):
“That was not the qualifying we had hoped for. The car was very difficult to control over the many bumps. We improved since practice, but not enough. I now hope we are able to fight back in the race, as we did in Spielberg.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 19th):
“After the good form we have shown in the first three races of the season, I am obviously disappointed with my qualifying result. However, even after the recent successes I always stressed we must keep our feet on the ground and continue to work hard in order to remain competitive in the long term. We were not among the front-runners today, but we will not give up. We will fight hard to get a good result in the race.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RMG, 20th):
“The car was very difficult to drive. We are having problems finding the right set-up for this track. It is now important to do our best to finish as far up the field as possible in the race.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 21st):
“It was a tough session. It's a shame. I just didn't have grip. I think I put together a reasonable lap, but all I could do was P21. It is always easy to say this, but we need to understand what happened, look at the data and get some answers from there. It is not a particularly bad track for me, but the car is just not there whether I like the track or not.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 22nd):
“We had problems with the radiator, which we were obviously not able to repair in the short time available. The problem meant it was impossible for me to clock a decent lap time. That is just typical of the luck I’ve had so far this season. It is a real shame for the team and me.”

BMW Power

17-06-13, 08:05

Disappointing race.
Bruno Spengler came seventh in the fourth race of the DTM season at the Lausitzring, making him the best-placed BMW driver and scoring a valuable six points towards the Drivers’ Championship.

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BMW Team Schnitzer’s reigning DTM champion is now second overall, but level on points (59) with leader Mike Rockenfeller The Audi driver finished runner-up at the 3.478-kilometre circuit, with victory going to Mercedes’ Gary Paffett. The Brit’s fellow Mercedes driver Christian Vietoris completed the podium in third place.
After struggling on Saturday, the remaining BMW drivers in the field were unable to make any significant improvements, and failed to finish in the points. Dirk Werner waved goodbye to any chance of a far better result in turn one, when he was forced into a spin by a rival. Werner was ultimately the third-best BMW driver in 13th.
Just ahead of the German was Augusto Farfus, who was 12th in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM. Timo Glock and Joey Hand finished 14th and 15th. Martin Tomczyk was once again blighted by the streak of bad luck that has defined the start to his season, finishing 19th at the Lausitzring. Marco Wittmannwas 21st in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM, while Andy Priaulx had to settle for 22nd in the Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM.
Despite the weekend not being particularly profitable, BMW was able to maintain its lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship and now has 177 points to its name. Mercedes-Benz follows 51 points down in second place. In the team standings, BMW Team Schnitzer remains first with 81 points. The next race takes place at the Norisring on 14th July.

BMW Power

17-06-13, 08:05

Reactions to the fourth race of the DTM season.
BMW Motorsport leaves the fourth DTM race of the year at the Lausitzring disappointed. Only one BMW driver – Bruno Spengler – finished in the points.

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Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 7th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“That was a tough weekend for me. The opposition simply did their job better than us this time. You have to acknowledge that. We were hopeless in Saturday’s free practice. Despite this, my team managed to continuously improve the car ahead of qualifying and the race. I simply could not do any better today. I spent a lot of time looking in my mirror. Seventh was the best I could have hoped for. Towards the end of the race, I had to fight hard for my position. Mattias Ekström pushed me from behind a couple of times. Obviously I wasn’t too happy about that. However, we talked about it after the race and as far as I am concerned the matter is settled. You have weekends like that. We must now analyse why we were lacking pace. It is no good burying our heads in the sand – we will fight hard and come back stronger after the summer break.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 12th):
Tyres: Standard-Standard-Option
“It was unfortunate I was involved in Dirk Werner’s spin right at the start of the race. I dropped right back down the field, which cost me a good race. I did everything I could, but could not finish any higher. My race pace was not bad at all.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 13th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“My race was over when I was spun shortly after the start. Miguel Molina has apologised to me, but that put me back in last place and meant I was not able to aim very high. The car was good, particularly on the option tyres in the middle stint. Unfortunately you get nothing for 13th place in the DTM.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 14th):
Tyres: Standard-Standard-Option
“My race was over after turn one. I had to swerve to avoid Dirk Werner, who had spun, and dropped down to the back of the field. After a few laps the pace was actually ok, but not good enough to finish any higher than 14th. Despite this, I would like to thank the team for two good pit stops. We are on track in that regard.”

Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, 15th):
Tyres: Standard-Standard-Option
“It was a tough race. Not too much went right, although I did have two good pit stops. Right from the start I planned to be fairly aggressive on the outside. I told my engineer I would do this – risk and reward is what I said. The risk was a bit more than the reward! I made up some places and then someone turned Dirk Werner around and caused a real melee on the outside. After that the car was really tough to drive. I had the same problem as in qualifying, as the car was really loose, which is tough for me to handle with my driving style. We have ups and down and, apart from today, this year has been more ups.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 19th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“There is not a lot to say about that race. I started from the back of the field, and finished at the back of the field. We simply were not good enough this weekend and did not perform as we ought to be doing. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us before the next race. One thing is certain: we cannot allow something like this to happen again this year.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 21st):
Tyres: Option-Standard- Standard
“The race started well. At the start and in the opening few laps I was able to make up a few positions. But after the promising first stint, I was unable to make up any significant ground. In the end we had to retire the car for safety reasons. We will have to take a look and find out exactly what was wrong.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 22nd):
Tyres: Option-Standard- Standard
“I have looked at every aspect of what is happening and this result is not normal for me. It goes without saying I am determined that from now on I will go back to being competitive, as I know I am capable of more than this. I am not a hundred per cent sure what happened with Martin Tomczyk, as the first time I realised he was there was when we collided. That is not something that you want to happen, especially with your team mate.”

BMW Power

17-06-13, 08:08

DTM Lausitzring
Lausitzring, length 3478 m
14. - 16.06.2013

result combined qualifying , 15.06.2013 (http://www.dtm.com/ergebnisse/pdf/2013-06-16d.pdf)

Result race, 16.06.2013 (http://www.dtm.com/ergebnisse/pdf/2013-06-16g.pdf)

Standings (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

BMW Power

08-07-13, 12:33

DTM season kicks off a summer of hot action.
After a four-week break, the 2013 DTM season picks up speed again with the race at the Norisring. On 14th July, the four BMW teams will be back in action at the only street circuit on the DTM calendar in Nürnberg.

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Despite having a difficult weekend recently at the Lausitzring, BMW lines up at the fifth race weekend of the year as the leading manufacturer on 177 points. Reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler is second in the Drivers’ Championship on 59 points, the same score as Audi driver and current leader Mike Rockenfeller. In the team standings, BMW Team Schnitzer leads with 81 points to its name.
Thrilling duels and excitement right down to the last corner: the rain-dominated thriller at the Norisring was one of the most exciting races of the last DTM season. Two BMW drivers made the podium in 2012: Martin Tomczyk as runner-up and Spengler in third place. This year’s DTM race in Nürnberg once again promises to be another genuine highlight. Nowhere else do the cars come so close to the crash barriers as on the street circuit around the Dutzendteich lake. A total of 135,000 fans followed the action on the 2.3-kilometre circuit over the course of the weekend in 2012. The Norisring made its debut on the DTM calendar in 1984 and has been popular with spectators and fans alike ever since, thanks largely to its unique atmosphere.
One BMW driver is particularly looking forward to his outing in the city in the Franconia region of Germany: Marco Wittmann. The DTM rookie grew up just 40 kilometres away in Markt Erlbach and moved to Fürth this year. The street circuit, with its different surfaces offering only limited grip, is also a happy uniting ground for Spengler. It was here that he claimed his first DTM victory in 2006. In total, the Canadian has won three times in Nürnberg. BMW has five DTM victories at the Norisring to its name.

BMW Power

12-07-13, 08:18

New system for indicating use of option tyres.
From the race contested this Sunday at the Norisring, DTM always will have a clear answer to the recently often asked question “Option tyres or not?"

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Since the race at Spielberg, a bigger written yellow brand name on the tyre sides supplied by DTM exclusive tyre partner Hankook made identifying the tyres easier for both the crowds on the grandstands and the TV audience. And now, the situation will be improved once again. With immediate effect, a new technical system makes sure that the currently used tyre will also be indicated in the TV graphics. This is made possible by the use of sensors mounted to the rims of the BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz DTM cars.
In addition to the tyre pressure, these sensors that already have been used since the beginning of the 2012 season now also transmit the information if a car is running on option tyres. This is made possible by an individual code of the sensor that is deposited by the representative of the German Motor Sport Association, DMSB, in the marshalling system prior to the distribution of the option tyres. Are the option tyres used by a DTM car, a receiver in the car automatically receives this information and transmits it including the number of the respective car to the TV graphics interface and the information system for the TV commentators.
“The use of individual codes that are automatically identified will make the use of the option tyres even more transparent, from the Norisring weekend,” says Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. “As next step following the bigger yellow identification marks on the tyre sides that we have already been using since Spielberg, this system makes sure that the TV graphics also are up to date at any time. This provides the spectators and the TV audience a better overview of what is going on in the race.”

BMW Power

12-07-13, 08:18

Hoping for the turning point.
In 2012 Andy Priaux achieved one of the best results of his maiden DTM season by finishing seventh at the Norisring. This weekend when the series returns to Nürnberg he hopes for the turning point in his so far disappointing season.

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The second shortest circuit in the DTM calendar is very much home territory for BMW as it takes place just 160 kilometres away from the manufacturer's headquarters in Munich. "I am hoping this home race will be a turning point in what has been a disappointing season so far for me," says Priaulx. "I love street circuits and the Norisring is right up there in my list of favourites with Macau."
Talking about the circuit the BMW Team RMG driver added: "It may on paper look like an easy track with just the four corners, but I can assure everyone who is not racing there nothing could be further from the truth. However, the more difficult a track the more I enjoy it."
After a four-week break Priaulx is keen on repeating his good 2012 result at the Norisring.

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:19

High spirits at the Dutzendteich.
Even before the BMW DTM drivers take to the Norisring in their BMW M3 DTMs for the first time in the roll-out at 18:45, they have already completed their first race of the weekend.

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DTM champion Bruno Spengler, Dirk Werner, Augusto Farfus, Joey Hand, Martin Tomczyk, Andy Priaulx, Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock went head-to-head out on the water of the Dutzendteich – at the wheel of a pedalo, powered solely by their own legs.
However, the event on Friday afternoon was less about competition and more about an enjoyable boating excursion to celebrate the return of the DTM after a four-week break. The Dutzendteich, which lends its name to a hairpin on the Norisring, provided the perfect stage.
“After a four-week break, it is good to meet up with my BMW team-mates again,” said Werner. “We always have fun when we see each other, and a pedalo race like that is a great opportunity to have a laugh together. It is always nice to have a relaxed start to the weekend.”
Wittmann added: “I know the Dutzendteich from my childhood, and know the Norisring like the back of my hand. After the outing in the pedalo, I can hardly wait to tackle the circuit in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM this weekend.”

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:19

Perfect start.
Bruno Spengler made a great start to the fifth race weekend of the DTM season. In free practice at the Norisring, the Canadian set the fastest time in his BMW Bank M3 DTM.

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48.427 seconds – a lap record. Bruno Spengler was the fastest man ever to lap his favourite circuit, the Norisring, in a DTM car during free practice ahead of the fifth DTM race of the season. A very good start, although Audi’s Adrien Tambay was just 0.004 seconds slower.
At the end of the 90-minute practice session on the 2.3-kilometre street circuit in Nürnberg, all 22 drivers were within one second of each other. Second fastest BMW driver behind Spengler was Andy Priaulx in ninth place, followed by Martin Tomczyk, Joey Hand and Augusto Farfus in tenth, eleventh and twelfth.
Local favourite Marco Wittmann was 15th fastest in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM, with Timo Glock 17th. Dirk Werner suffered a technical problem towards the end of the session and had to settle for 20th.

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:20

Front row for Bruno Spengler.
Bruno Spengler once again proved just how at home he feels on his favourite circuit with another impressive display in qualifying for the fifth DTM race of the season at the Norisring.

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the BMW Team Schnitzer driver made it through to Q4 at the wheel of the BMW Bank M3 DTM, finishing second-fastest with a time of 48.443 seconds. Only one driver was quicker over the 2.3-kilometre street circuit: Mercedes driver Robert Wickens claimed pole position, just 0.059 seconds ahead of his fellow Canadian.
In the heat of summer, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius, Andy Priaulx was the second best-placed BMW driver, qualifying sixth in the Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM. This was the best qualifying result this season for the three-time World Touring Car Champion, who now drives for BMW Team RMG.
Local favourite Marco Wittmann narrowly missed out on the top ten in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM. The BMW Team MTEK driver will start his home race in the heart of Nürnberg from 12th on the grid. His team-mate Timo Glock qualified 16th in the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM, just behind Augusto Farfus (Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM) who starts from 15th.
Martin Tomczyk (BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM) in 17th, Joey Hand (BMW M3 DTM) in 18th and Dirk Werner (SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM) in 20th failed to make it beyond the first qualifying session.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was once again an exciting and incredibly close qualifying, as you would expect at the Norisring. At times, eight cars were within one tenth of a second of each other. Bruno Spengler and Andy Priaulx produced very good performances. Sixth place on the grid equals Andy’s best qualifying result in the DTM, and he also clocked the second fastest lap of the whole weekend so far. Bruno is very well placed ahead of tomorrow’s race. However, we are not happy with the overall result: too many of our cars went out too early in proceedings. We will look into the reasons for this. Despite this, we are looking forward to an exciting race tomorrow. The atmosphere at the Norisring is unique, and we want to produce a good result for the many BMW fans and employees at the circuit. Congratulations to Robert Wickens and Mercedes-Benz on their pole position.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 2nd):
“Congratulations to Robert Wickens on his first pole position. I know exactly how he is feeling now. Two Canadians on the front row – that is something you don’t see every day. Second is a good result for us. I must pay a huge compliment to my team, which has managed to improve my car considerably since the last race. That hard work formed the basis for the good qualifying result here at the Norisring. This is my favourite race, the atmosphere is simply sensational. I have high hopes for tomorrow.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 6th):
“This is a really positive start to my weekend. I feel very comfortable in the car and understand where the time has come from. We have changed a lot since the last race. BMW Motorsport and BMW Team RMG have thought about my situation very hard and made the car much more suited to me. This has really given me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season. I have to thank everyone for pushing so hard since the Lausitzring.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 12th):
“I am not entirely happy with 12th on the grid. I had hoped for a better starting position at my home race. However, we will now try to get a good result from the sixth row. I think a lot is still possible in the race tomorrow. I am obviously very motivated and will go on the attack.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 15th):
“We could not get the right set-up and balance of the car, and it was really hard to drive. It was difficult to put a lap together, and here you need a perfect lap as the gaps between the cars are so small. It was a pity, as I was expecting a good weekend. However, we still have 83 laps tomorrow, so hopefully we can turn this around.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 16th):
“That was not a good qualifying for us. Over the course of the session, we somehow went in the wrong direction and got slower, rather than quicker. I actually had a really good feeling on my first run. After that, however, I was unable to improve, which is a real shame.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 17th):
“To be honest, I don’t know what went wrong. I have started from towards the back of the grid quite often this year and do not want to make a habit of it. The whole season has just been very weird for me. Maybe we can still fight our way through the field.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RMG, 18th):
“I like the Norisring, as I basically love street races. However, I have not had a lot of fun here so far. I just wasn’t good today. We have struggled to find our way and just ran out of time in the search for the right set-up. However, I never give up – and neither do the boys in BMW Team RBM. I hope to put on a good show tomorrow.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 20th):
“The first run was absolutely fine, and I was getting quicker and quicker towards the end. Then I did not improve as much as we had hoped on the second set of tyres. When it is as close as it is here at the Norisring, every single thousandths of a second counts.”

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:21

Maxi Scooters for Tomczyk and Spengler.
Since the start of the current DTM season, the BMW DTM drivers have been enjoying the luxury of being able to get around quickly, safely and comfortably on the Maxi Scooter C 600 Sport. BMW Motorrad is now shifting up a gear.

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the DTM champions from the last two years, Bruno Spengler and Martin Tomczyk, were presented with the keys to their own special editions of the maxi scooter by Henning Putzke, Head of BMW Motorrad Germany, on the Saturday of the DTM race weekend at the Norisring. Ninety nine limited editions of both the C 600 Motorsport “Spengler” and “Tomczyk” models are available now.

“The four maxi scooters we have provided the DTM teams with are extremely popular and pretty much in permanent use on race weekends,” said Putzke. “I am pleased that the two special editions now also allow our customers to experience that exclusive DTM feeling. As well as the limited edition vehicles themselves, the package put together for the DTM race in Oschersleben will also provide an unforgettable experience.”

The paintwork and sponsors’ labels on the matt-black BMW C 600 Motorsport Edition Spengler are based on the design of the BMW Bank M3 DTM, with which the Canadian won the DTM Drivers’ Championship in 2012. The maxi scooter also bears Spengler’s signature. Decorative stripes in the traditional BMW Motorsport colours along the entire length of the seat give it a particularly sporty appearance. “The matt black is increasingly becoming my trademark,” said Spengler. “As well as my BMW Bank M3 DTM and my BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition, I now even have a maxi scooter in my colours. The scooter looks sensational. Both the technology and the appearance are perfectly suited to the motorsport environment. I am absolutely delighted.”

The white BMW C 600 Motorsport Edition Tomczyk is in the same design as the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM driven by the 2011 DTM champion. The rear part of the seat, with white stitching and BMW Motorsport stripes, generates a particularly dynamic look. “It is an honour for me that BMW Motorsport has given me my own special edition of the maxi scooter,” said Tomczyk. “I am also a big motorcycle fan in my private life. I like to go out for a ride whenever I get the opportunity. I really like the maxi scooter. It is a great alternative for both short and longer journeys.”
Anyone who gets their hands on one of the two Maxi Scooter C 600 Motorsports can look forward to more than just a captivating bike. They also come with the following equipment and special offers:

- Short, tinted sport windshield
- Akrapovič exhaust system
- Custom-made seat
- Bikes numbered from “1 of 99” to “99 of 99”
- Two tickets to the DTM race in Oschersleben, including admission to the paddock (incl. access to the specially furnished BMW Motorrad Hospitality with catering) on 14th/15th September 2013
- Exclusive Meet & Greet session with Martin Tomczyk and Bruno Spengler in Oschersleben
- Fan parade with Martin Tomczyk and Bruno Spengler on your own BMW C 600 Motorsport Edition Maxi Scooter on 14th September 2013
- Party on Saturday evening in BMW Motorrad Hospitality
- Presentation of a certificate, signed by Tomczyk and Spengler, with the respective edition number
- Entry into a draw for ten tickets to access the starting grid at the DTM race in Oschersleben
- Entry into a draw for two Race Taxi rides in Oschersleben

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:21

An eventful race.
The four BMW teams experienced an eventful fifth DTM race at the Norisring in temperatures soaring to over 30 degrees Celsius. Bruno Spengler, who started the race from second on the grid in the BMW Bank M3 DTM, was the best-placed BMW driver, coming home in sixth.

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Joey Hand (BMW M3 DTM), Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) and Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) finished eighth, ninth and tenth. Over the course of the weekend, 126,000 spectators followed the action live at the Norisring.
Spengler and BMW Team Schnitzer continued an impressive run: the reigning DTM champion has now scored points in each of the past 11 DTM races. BMW Team RMG and Priaulx picked up their first two points of the season. Victory at the Dutzendteich went to Audi driver Mattias Ekström, followed by Mercedes drivers Robert Wickens and Christian Vietoris.
Dirk Werner (SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM) narrowly missed out on a points finish, crossing the line in 11th. Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM) and Augusto Farfus (Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM) came home in 13th and 16th.
Martin Tomczyk in the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM was once again struck by misfortune at the end of the first half of the season. He retired after 16 laps following a duel with Jamie Green. Up until his retirement, Tomczyk had fought back from 17th on the grid to ninth in the field. The crash caused the second of two safety car periods. A number of rival cars altered their strategy, took a greater risk, and were consequently able to pass the BMW drivers over the course of the race. Therefore, a podium was not to be this time.
Spengler is now second in the Drivers’ Championship on 67 points, just two behind the leader Mike Rockenfeller. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, BMW held onto its lead on 192 points, ahead of Mercedes (177) and Audi (136).
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“We managed to land four cars in the top ten, but cannot be happy with what was a tough race for us. The two safety car phases had a significant influence and opened up certain strategic options. Our approach was not to take too many risks in terms of the race strategy. However, this did not pay off in today’s conditions. Bruno, in sixth, still managed to score more valuable points, and another three BMW M3 DTMs finished in the top ten. The overall standings still do not look bad. Congratulations to Audi and Mattias Ekstrom on their deserved victory.”

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:22

Reactions to the Norisring race.
Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the team principals and the eight drivers had to say after the fifth round of the season.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“We managed to land four cars in the top ten, but cannot be happy with what was a tough race for us. The two safety car periods had a significant influence and opened up certain strategic options. Our approach was not to take too many risks in terms of the race strategy. However, this did not pay off in today’s conditions. Bruno, in sixth, still managed to score more valuable points, and another three BMW M3 DTMs finished in the top ten. The overall standings still do not look bad. Congratulations to Audi and Mattias Ekström on their deserved victory.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“You obviously want to be up there with the front-runners when you start the race from the front row. However, the safety car periods meant Bruno Spengler was not able to make full use of the option tyre. You never get back the time you lose during this period. Dirk Werner narrowly missed out on the points. He was also lacking that little bit of luck required to finish higher up the field today.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“Firstly, I am pleased for the entire team that we have finally scored our first points of the year. Thank you to everyone. Hopefully that has broken the spell. Unfortunately it was only two points. Martin Tomczyk had another disappointing race. He was pushed into the wall by a rival. At that point, he was already lapping in the top ten. Andy Priaulx did a great job this weekend. The safety car periods had a massive effect on our strategy. The performance was better today than the result may suggest.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“The race was an interesting one – and also very difficult, thanks to the safety car periods. Joey Hand started on the prime tyre and then switched to the option during the safety car period. That worked out well, and then he pulled off a few nice overtaking manoeuvres. At the end, we made the switch back to the prime tyres at exactly the right time. Augusto Farfus made a good start to the race, but then the strategy did not come off. We simply have to concentrate on doing better in qualifying in the future. Then we should be able to pick up more points again.”
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“First and foremost, I am very happy everyone got out of this race with no incidents. The pit lane here at the Norisring is really extremely narrow. It gets even narrower when lots of cars all come into the pits at the same time during a safety car period. We did not have any luck today, but we are obviously pleased Marco Wittmann still managed to pick up a point.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 6th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Option
“Sixth is disappointing for me. When you start from second on the grid, you obviously want to be in contention to win the race. Qualifying was very good, and we actually had good pace during the race too. The pit stops were also good. We were just unlucky with the strategy today. Neither of the two safety car periods played into our hands. I am still up there near the top of the Drivers’ Championship. That is important. However, I had hoped for more on my favourite circuit.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, 8th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“Yesterday after qualifying I felt the car was better than the results showed, and it was as we had better pace today. The boys did a great job to make sure I had a better balanced race car. It seems when we put the option tyres on this is always good for me. That was obviously our strong stint, as we put a lot of emphasis on that tyre and ran as long as we could. We had two really good pit stops and everything came together. I feel good, because I executed everything properly – perhaps for the first time. I think we made the most out of our day.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 9th):
Tyres: Option-Standard- Option
“It has been a brilliant weekend and we had a really solid pace. Qualifying was good and now I have a car I am really happy with, so that is all positive. I think what happened in the race was out of my control with the safety car periods, and no one really understood why at times it was called. Sadly it just damaged our strategy, but I am happy with the overall performance.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 10th):
Tyres: Option-Standard- Option
“That was an exciting race. Even the start was dramatic, and there was contact in the first corner. I don’t know exactly how much that affected the balance of my car. At times it was difficult to keep a clear head. I had a few great battles. Ultimately, we can be happy with the point, although I had obviously set my sights on more from my home race.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 11th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“I am disappointed, as 11th is always a thankless position. I lost a lot of time during the second safety car period. Christian Vietoris was allowed through in front of me, but I was not. That rather ruined my race. I will be aiming to get back in the points again at the next race in Moscow.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 13th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“Seldom have I experienced a race like that, in which it is so difficult to keep a clear overview of what is going on. It was verging on chaotic, especially in the middle of the field. I can imagine that it was not so easy for the fans to keep up with the action.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 16th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Option
“It was a horrible race for me and I don't have a lot to say. The car was just not quick, but I pushed quite hard. We had a bad qualifying and a worse race. I just want to turn the page and try to understand what is going on.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, DNF):
Tyres: Option
“Unfortunately my Sunday was over before it really began. Another zero points and a bad weekend for myself and my crew. At least my team-mate Andy was able to gain some points, so we must now remain focused for the coming races.”

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:27

Mattias Ekström loses Norisring victory

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Audi driver Mattias Ekström has lost his victory in the fifth DTM round at the Norisring. After the Swede illegitimately had water poured into the pockets of his race suit in parc fermé in Nuremberg on his 35th birthday, he was excluded from the race by the stewards because of an infringement of the parc fermé rules. As a result, victory went to Mercedes-Benz driver Robert Wickens from Canada, who scored his maiden DTM race win and brought the brand from Stuttgart its eleventh consecutive success at the Norisring.

Christian Vietoris and Daniel Juncadella (both Mercedes-Benz) were promoted to second and third place respectively. Points’ leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) was classified fifth and now has a margin of two points from Bruno Spengler (BMW), who finished fifth in Nuremberg.

Ekström’s Team Audi Sport Abt Sportsline has announced its intention to appeal and has two days to back this up in writing. The amended result remains provisional until the appeal has been decided upon. Moreover, Ekström was given a 1,000 euros fine because he failed to attach the steering wheel properly after getting out of his car in parc fermé.

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:29

Audi team announces it will appeal DMSB decision

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Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline has announced it will appeal the exclusion of winner Mattias Ekström (Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM). Thus, the results of the Norisring race are provisional.

Due to an alleged violation of Section 44 of the DTM Sporting Regulations (‘Parc fermé rules’) Mattias Ekström was excluded from the race results on Sunday night. Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline immediately announced it would appeal the decision of the stewards. A sport tribunal will decide whether or not Mattias Ekström will regain his Norisring victory.

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:29

Suspended penalties for Mortara and Paffett

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Edoardo Mortara (Audi) and Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) have been given penalties for their collisions in the closing stages of the fifth DTM season round at the Norisring in Nuremberg, but they have been suspended for two races.

The stewards gave a five places grid penalty to each of the two drivers, who collided twice with each other in Nuremberg and then both retired. The penalty will only come into force when one of the drivers commits another offence against the regulations within the time frame of the suspension.

BMW Power

15-07-13, 08:32

Provisional Standings due to AUDI's appeal (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

BMW Power

16-07-13, 08:43

BMW drivers promoted.
The BMW drivers were promoted one place in the classification for the DTM race at the Norisring, after Audi driver Mattias Ekström was disqualified just hours after his win.

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Where four BMW drivers originally finished in the top ten, five are now in the points. Bruno Spengler climbs to fifth as the best-placed BMW driver, while Dirk Werner is now rewarded for his comeback from 20th on the grid with tenth place and a championship point. From BMW’s point of view, these are just three of the consequences resulting from the post-race disqualification of Audi driver Mattias Ekström following his earlier victory at the Norisring.
After the Swede illegitimately had water poured into the pockets of his race suit in parc fermé in Nuremberg on his 35th birthday, he was excluded from the race by the stewards because of an infringement of the parc fermé rules. As a result, victory went to Mercedes-Benz driver Robert Wickens. Christian Vietoris and Daniel Juncadella (both Mercedes) were promoted to second and third place respectively.
Spengler, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx, Marco Wittmann and Werner were moved up to fifth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth for BMW.
Ekström’s Team Audi Sport Abt Sportsline has announced its intention to appeal. The amended result remains provisional until the appeal has been decided upon.

BMW Power

17-07-13, 11:56

DMSB appeal court to deal with Ekström’s disqualification

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Following Audi Sport Team Abt Sportline’s in-due-time announcement of an appeal against the disqualification of Mattias Ekström following the fifth DTM round at the Norisríng, the appeal court of the German Motor Racing Association, DMSB, will adjudicate upon the race result. Making for the abidance by the sporting and technical regulations is the responsibility of DMSB and not of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V.

Up to the appeal-court decision, the altered race result with Mercedes-Benz driver Robert Wickens as race winner and Ekström being disqualified is provisional. After the end of the race, Sweden’s Ekström was disqualified by the steward’s due to an alleged breach of the parc-fermé rules. A date for the hearing will be fixed as soon as the written explanatory statement will have arrived at DMSB.

BMW Power

22-07-13, 12:37

Priaulx thrills DTM fans in the heart of Moscow.
Two weeks before the DTM debut in Moscow, Andy Priaulx was on duty for BMW Motorsport in the Russian capital.

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At the wheel of the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM he went on the 3.7 kilometre track at the “Moscow City Racing” Event in front of the impressive backdrop of the Kremlin. Together with Mike Rockenfeller (Audi), Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz) and local hero Vitaly Petrov, the BMW Team RMG driver represented the DTM in the heart of Moscow. Apart from doing demonstrations in the race car, Priaulx was driving the first generation BMW M3 that won races and titles in the 1980s and 1990s in the DTM and giving enthusiastic passengers a drive round the track with him.
Three questions for Andy Priaulx.
Andy what did you think of the first performance in Moscow?
Andy Priaulx: “I am really enthusiastic about it - it was an impressive event. The fans gave us an amazing welcome. To drive in the middle of the city, in front of a backdrop such as the Kremlin, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I love discovering new places and helping to make the spectators enthusiastic about the DTM. That worked great over here this weekend. We have put on a good show for them.”
You are a fan of street circuits, as we saw in Nürnberg a week ago…
Priaulx: “Yes, I just love street circuits. I felt very comfortable at the Norisring and was quick the entire weekend. That gives me a lot of confidence for the second half of the season. To be in Moscow was a nice change to what we usually do. As a driver, I enjoy every single kilometre in the BMW M3 DTM and, if it’s in front of such an amazing backdrop, it’s double fun.”
What are your plans for the race in two weeks?
Priaulx: “At least I know Moscow now, but the race track will be a new experience for all of us. Everyone is starting from scratch. That is why it will be very exciting to see how strong we all our in relation to each other at the Moscow Raceway. Naturally, I would like to have the put in the same performance in Russia as I had at the Norisring, and be up at the front in the results again. Certainly it will be an exciting weekend for both us and the Russian fans.”

BMW Power

26-07-13, 10:52

DMSB appeal court to sit on Tuesday

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The DMSB appeal court has invited Audi Team Abt Sportsline to attend the appeal hearing concerning the Ekström case on 30th July. The hearing in Frankfurt/Main will begin at 16:00hrs CEST (15:00hrs BST). This was announced by the German Motor Racing Association, DMSB, after the team’s written grounds of appeal hat arrived. It is expected that the sentence will be passed on the same day.

Audi driver Mattias Ekström had crossed the finish line of the fifth DTM round at the Norisring as race leader but was disqualified by the stewards afterwards. Ekström’s team was accused to have violated the parc-fermé regulations

BMW Power

29-07-13, 09:13

A new adventure.
There is a lot of anticipation ahead of the sixth race of the DTM season at the “Moscow Raceway”, close to Moscow. The BMW teams and drivers will experience new territory in the gateway to the Russian capital.

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BMW Team RMG’s Andy Priaulx has already had a taste of the country and its people as last weekend he took part in the “Moscow City Racing” event and thrilled the Russian fans. He put on a big show for over 100,000 spectators along with the other DTM drivers in front of the Kremlin backdrop, driving the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM.
Priaulx is also one of the five BMW drivers who scored points in the fifth DTM race at the Norisring. Bruno Spengler in fifth was the highest placed BMW driver. After the first half of the season, the reigning champion is second in the standings with 69 points, only two points behind Audi’s Mike Rockenfeller. Besides Priaulx and Spengler, Joey Hand, Marco Wittmann and Dirk Werner also collected points on the streets of Nürnberg.
The quintet of drivers, together with Augusto Farfus, Martin Tomczyk and Timo Glock, are hoping for a return to the podium, which the BMW drivers have not been on since the magnificent one-two-three in Spielberg. BMW still leads the manufacturers’ championship with 200 points.

BMW Power

29-07-13, 10:59

BMW teams gearing up for DTM debut in Moscow.
There is a lot of anticipation ahead of the sixth race of the DTM season at the “Moscow Raceway”, close to Moscow. On the 2.555-kilometre track, the DTM will celebrate its Russia debut on 4th August. The BMW teams and drivers will experience new territory in the gateway to the Russian capital.

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BMW Team RMG’s Andy Priaulx has already had a taste of the country and its people as last weekend he took part in the “Moscow City Racing” event and thrilled the Russian fans. He put on a big show for over 100,000 spectators along with the other DTM drivers in front of the Kremlin backdrop, driving the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM.

Priaulx is also one of the five BMW drivers who scored points in the fifth DTM race at the Norisring. Bruno Spengler in fifth was the highest placed BMW driver. After the first half of the season, the reigning champion is second in the standings with 69 points, only two points behind Audi’s Mike Rockenfeller. Besides Priaulx and Spengler, Joey Hand, Marco Wittmann and Dirk Werner also collected points on the streets of Nürnberg.

The quintet of drivers, together with Augusto Farfus, Martin Tomczyk and Timo Glock, are hoping for a return to the podium, which the BMW drivers have not been on since the magnificent one-two-three in Spielberg. BMW still leads the manufacturers’ championship with 200 points.

BMW Power

31-07-13, 10:17

DMSB appeal court confirms Ekström’s disqualification

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The appeal court of the German Motor Racing Association, DMSB, confirmed the disqualification of Audi driver Mattias Ekström after the DTM race held on 14th July at the Norisring. In addition, the court decided that the fifth round of the season won’t have a winner. On Tuesday in Frankfurt/Main, the court dismissed the appeal of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline against the decision of the stewards but also decided that no other driver will move up in the rankings. So, Canadian Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz) in second position will be the best-placed driver of the Norisring race. The reason for letting no other driver move up: Ekström didn’t enjoy an advantage in the race as his car met the regulations and he secured his race win in sports-wise impeccable conditions. This was announced by DMSB on Tuesday evening.

Ekström’s team had been accused to have violated the parc-fermé rules that are defined in paragraph 44 of DTM’s sporting regulations. This regulation passage regulates – inter alia – that no materials or substances may be added or removed prior to the vehicle’s after-race scrutineering. TV pictures, however, showed that water had been poured into the pocket of the driver’s race overall prior to the weighing.

“It’s good that the DMSB appeal court has closed this case as we now can look ahead to the coming race held this weekend at the Moscow Raceway without having to deal with an unsettled situation. Now we again fully focus on the sport and look forward to our debut race on Russian soil,” said Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM rights holder and promoter ITR e.V. And Jürgen Abt, Abt Sportsline Team Principal, added: “In the spirit of the sport, we respect and accept the decision of the DMSB appeal court.”

BMW Power

31-07-13, 10:18

DTM to return to China in 2014

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The DTM will stage a race in China again in 2014. DTM rights holder and promoter, ITR e.V., and the Chinese Brilliant Culture Group have agreed upon a race for the most popular international touring car series in a Chinese metropolis next year. This round is to take place in the autumn of 2014, but, other than in 2010, will not be the final round of the season. The venue is yet to be decided. The decision whether the DTM will again be racing in Shanghai, or in Guangdong in the south of China, also known as Canton, will be taken at a later stage.

Hans Werner Aufrecht and Maggie Ip
Hans Werner Aufrecht and Maggie Ip
“We are delighted that we are allowed to be guests with the DTM in China for the third time. The Chinese passenger car market is among the fastest growing in the world and therefore is very important for our manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Moreover, we see the commitment and the passion with which our Chinese partners are pushing for this project and as a result, we feel very well in China. No matter what the decision about the venue will be: we will be racing in one of the biggest cities in the world,” says Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of the board of ITR e.V.

“China is ready for DTM’s return. We are now the largest car market in the world and the Chinese fans of Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz are looking forward to seeing their favourite manufacturers race here again. DTM will no doubt help grow motorsports culture in China,” says Maggie Ip, Chairman of the Brilliant Culture Group.

The DTM already raced in China in 2004 and 2010, each time in Shanghai. In 2004, Gary Paffett won an invitation race from his fellow Mercedes-Benz driver Bernd Schneider and Audi driver Mattias Ekström. In 2010, Gary Paffett again won the race, but second place from Timo Scheider (Audi) was enough for his Mercedes-Benz team-mate Paul di Resta to secure the title. While Audi and Mercedes-Benz have already raced in China, the race in 2014 will be a premiere for BMW.

BMW Power

05-08-13, 08:18

Spengler sets the early pace.
Promising start in Moscow: Bruno Spengler, at the wheel of the BMW Bank M3 DTM, set the fastest time in free practice. Dirk Werner and Joey Hand were also in the top ten.

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The BMW DTM drivers only had a short amount of time to familiarize themselves with the “Moscow Raceway” before they went in hunt of fast lap times on Saturday morning. Spengler coped best with the 2.555-kilometre circuit on the outskirts of the Russian capital, ending the 90-minute session in first place with a time of 58.666 seconds.
Dirk Werner, his BMW Team Schnitzer team-mate, was eighth fastest in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM. Joey Hand ended the session ninth in his BMW M3 DTM. Augusto Farfus, Martin Tomczyk, Timo Glock, Marco Wittmann and Andy Priaulx were 14th, 15th, 16th, 19th and 22nd respectively. The entire field was separated by a little over one second.
Russian fans will experience their first DTM qualifying at 16:40 local time (14:40 CET). Sunday’s race will then get underway at 15:30 local time (13:30 CET).

BMW Power

05-08-13, 08:18

Farfus and Spengler start from second row.
Augusto Farfus and Bruno Spengler will start the first ever DTM race in Moscow from third and fourth on the grid.

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Farfus clocked the third fastest time of 58.677 seconds driving the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM in Q3 at the “Moscow Raceway”. Spengler was just behind him in fourth in the BMW Bank M3 DTM.
The fourth and decisive qualifying session had to be cancelled, as a flying ban issued at short notice meant the rescue helicopter no longer had permission to take off. Because of this, the result of the third qualifying session was used as the basis for assigning grid positions. The Q4 shoot-out had to be scrapped. Therefore, pole position went to Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller.
Dirk Werner could also be happy with his good result. Driving the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM, Werner actually clocked the fastest time of Q2. In the third session he narrowly missed out on the top four by less than one tenth of a second, and will start Sunday’s race from sixth on the grid. Joey Hand qualified 15th in the BMW M3 DTM.
For four BMW drivers qualifying was over after the first session. Timo Glock (DE) starts from 17th, but was just 0.039 seconds away from progressing to Q2 in the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM), Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) were 19th, 20th and 21st respectively.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was an unusual qualifying on our debut here in Russia. It goes without saying we would also have liked to have seen Q4 happening, with two of our drivers fighting for pole position. However, we are basically happy with the result. After the problems we encountered during the last couple of qualifyings, we have put ourselves in a good position here for Sunday. Augusto Farfus, Bruno Spengler and Dirk Werner recorded some good laps. Some of our BMW M3 DTMs were also knocked out too early on in the proceedings. We will have to take a closer look at that. Congratulations to Audi and Mike Rockenfeller. We are now looking forward to an exciting race tomorrow.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 3rd):
“I am happy to be in third, especially after my two last race weekends when we could not perform as we wanted. In practice we tried several directions, exploring the best way to set the car up for the track. Then after free practice we made some very big changes to the car, and it paid off. I think tomorrow we just have to get a clean start. I am sure the first lap will be very crowded, as the track is not that wide.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 4th):
“It is a strange feeling not to have been able to drive in Q4. It is a fundamental part of race weekends, and who knows where we would have ended up. As it is, we start from fourth. That was not an easy day for us, as we did not find the ideal set-up. Despite this, the second row of the grid is still a good starting position, from which anything is possible. We battled hard today – and we will do the same again tomorrow.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 6th):
“I guess you could say I have mixed feelings. I don’t know whether I should be pleased or frustrated. That is the first time I have made it through to Q3 this season. Sixth is a good starting position, and with Bruno Spengler in fourth we have achieved a good result with BMW Team Schnitzer. However, I could have done even better. I clocked the fastest time of all in Q2. It was then tricky to put together a flying lap in the third session. I was not far from finishing further up the field. Generally speaking, however, we are in a very good position for tomorrow.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RMG, 15th):
“The car wasn’t that bad earlier today, but I just couldn’t get anything out of it in qualifying. It was really weird, as I don't know what is going on. We always run well in practice, but just can’t qualify that well. That is really frustrating, especially as I have a fast car in the race every week. It is not over though, as I came out of turn one in 22nd at the Norising and still fought back to finish seventh.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 17th):
“Generally speaking, qualifying did not turn out as we had hoped for us. My car was far better than in the morning’s free practice, but we could do no better than 17th. I was very unlucky, as I kept getting stuck in traffic and never really had a clear lap. This made it impossible to clock a better time.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 19th):
“Unfortunately this qualifying was once again very disappointing for me. We struggled in the free practice and that carried through to qualifying. We once again failed to get the most out of the tyres.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 20th):
“It was a disappointing qualifying for us. We are really struggling at the moment. I cannot say why exactly. We don’t have a lot of time for practice, so everything has to come together right from the start. You hardly have any time to make any significant modifications to the car. We’ll see what we can do from 20th in tomorrow’s race. It will be extremely difficult though.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 21st):
“I am happy overall with my car and the way it feels, but we just weren’t quick enough. There is nothing more I could have done with the grip. I wasn’t really any quicker on fresh tyres than I was on the old ones. That was a disappointing qualifying for me.”

BMW Power

05-08-13, 08:19

Farfus claims podium finish in Moscow.
BMW Team RBM’s Augusto Farfus finished third as the DTM made its debut at the “Moscow Raceway” to claim BMW Motorsport’s first podium finish since the race in Spielberg.

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Farfus started from third in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM and successfully defended this position over the final few laps, fending off the attention of Adrien Tambay (Audi), who was on far fresher tyres. The podium was the fifth of Farfus’ DTM career and marked the seventh time a BMW driver had been on the podium in the 2013 season. Victory went to Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller.
Joey Hand also put on an impressive display in his BMW M3 DTM, fighting back from 15th on the grid to come home seventh. Therefore, both BMW Team RBM drivers finished in the points. Eighth went to Dirk Werner in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM. The sixth race of the season was less successful for Bruno Spengler, Werner’s team-mate at BMW Team Schnitzer. Starting from fourth, the defending champion’s BMW Bank M3 DTM was hit in the rear by Miguel Molina (Audi) at the start of the third lap. The resulting spin saw Spengler drop to the back of the field. He was able to complete the race, but could do no better than 19th and leaves a DTM weekend empty-handed for the first time since the fourth race of the 2012 season in Spielberg.
It was also a disappointing afternoon for Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) in 15th, Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM) in 16th, Martin Tomczyk (BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM) in 17th and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) in 20th.
Rockenfeller continues to lead the Drivers’ Championship after his victory in Moscow. He now has 94 points to his name, 27 more than Spengler. Farfus moved into fifth on 48 points. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, BMW was able to defend its lead and now has 217 points.

BMW Power

05-08-13, 08:19

Reactions to the DTM race in Moscow.
Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the four team principals and the eight BMW DTM drivers had to say after the race on the outskirts of Moscow.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“We are happy to be back on the podium after the last two difficult races. Furthermore, we had another two BMW M3 DTMs in the top ten. It was a great race from Augusto Farfus. Joey Hand and Dirk Werner were also in very good form. In contrast, Bruno Spengler’s race was over before it really got started after the collision with Miguel Molina, which was no fault of Bruno’s. That is a real shame. We hope this incident will not have a bigger impact on the Drivers’ Championship over the course of the season and will be looking to make up ground in the next race at the Nürburgring. Congratulations to Rocky and Audi on their deserved victory. Congratulations also to the organisers, who put on a very successful event in front of packed grandstands and 45,000 thrilled Russian fans. We felt very much at home here and would be more than happy to return.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“It was a good race here in Moscow for BMW Team RBM. We made the most of the situation with Augusto Farfus. He was under great pressure, but his pace was very good. Joey Hand also put in a fantastic performance. The team also contributed with four good pit stops, so we can be happy with our debut in Russia. We must now work hard to ensure we are right up there at the front again next time.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“We certainly expected more here. A tricky start was followed by the collision between Bruno Spengler and Miguel Molina. Bruno was thrown well back down the field. And in such a close series as the DTM, there is not a lot you can do after that – particularly as he was fighting a lost cause as a result of the damage sustained to the rear of his chassis. Dirk Werner initially lost places in the chaotic start, but was still able to score valuable points. We are very pleased about that after the difficult races we have had recently. Our team completed the two fastest pit stops. Compliments to the team for that.”
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“I am happy BMW Team RBM was able to fly the flag for BMW today with Augusto Farfus’ podium. We did not have the luck we would have needed to make up ground from our grid positions towards the back of the field. The pace was definitely there, but it is very difficult if you are starting a race from the back.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“That was not an easy weekend. It is good to see Augusto Farfus on the podium. I feel sorry for Bruno Spengler, but we are all too familiar with crashes this season. For Martin Tomczyk and Andy Priaulx, qualifying was the crucial factor that prevented them from finishing higher up the field in the race. We will move on from the race here in Russia and concentrate on our home race at the Nürburgring.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 3rd):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“It is great to be back on the podium. This third place feels like a victory because I couldn't have done any better. There was no margin for error and I had to push the entire race. We, as BMW, were not extremely competitive here today, which made it a tough Sunday. My two stops were great and I feel the last stint on primes was the best for me. I enjoyed the circuit, and had a positive debut in Moscow.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, 7th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“I am more than happy with the way the race panned out. We put on a good show for the fans. The car’s performance was very good. I fought hard, made up eight places and ultimately finished in the points for the fourth time this season. Therefore, I am very happy. Congratulations to Augusto Farfus on his third place. Generally speaking, BMW Team RBM did another fantastic job.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 8th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“The four points are nice, but it could have been better. My start was really bad and I think that was what cost me the race. I was stuck in the middle of the field and couldn't use my tyres in the beginning the way I wanted to. I think eighth was about the best we could get out of the race after the start.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 15th):
Tyres: Standard-Option- Standard
“The race was relatively ok for me. However, it was clear from the outset that it was going to be difficult from 20th on the grid. My race was over anyway after the stop-and-go penalty for disregarding the blue flag. I feel the penalties were handed out quite unfairly today. Unfortunately we can do nothing about that. It was a shame, as my car felt much better than it did in qualifying. We can build on that.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 16th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“My race was miserable. I did get off to a very good start, but the clutch then slipped severely. I then got stuck in traffic for a long time on my first stint. It did not get much better after the second pit stop. We just did not have the pace we needed, and will now have to analyse exactly why our car was not as quick as we had hoped. We want to produce a better performance again at the Nürburgring.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 17th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“It was an unspectacular race for me. It was obviously fun at the beginning, when the option tyres allowed me to make up some positions. That was good while it lasted, but it soon became clear I could not match the pace of the others. We stuck with our strategy and, with more speed, would definitely have moved up a few places. Unfortunately it didn’t work out that way. At least I finished a race – but that is really very little consolation.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 19th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“As early as the second lap, Miguel Molina hit me and my car spun. That damaged my car and really made it undriveable. Because of this, at no point in the race did I have the pace to go on the attack. All I could do was continue to the end. It was a disappointing weekend and for me anything but a successful debut in Russia.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 20th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“I had no radio communication at all for the entire race, so it made it very difficult to know what your pace is, where you are, how other things are working out and who you are racing. It threw me a bit. To finish 19th is not ideal, but that is the way it is. As for the car, balance-wise there was a bit too much oversteer, but I just didn't have enough pace.”

BMW Power

05-08-13, 08:22

Moscow-Raceway

Free Practice (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130804/Moscow-Raceway/Results/Free-Practice.html)

Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130804/Moscow-Raceway/Results/Qualifying.html)

Race (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130804/Moscow-Raceway/Results/Race.html)

Standings (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

BMW Power

17-08-13, 08:25

New SUPER GT cars to DTM regulations presented in Japan
The Japanese SUPER GT series presented its new cars for the 2014 season in Suzuka on Friday. These have largely been constructed to the current technical regulations of the DTM. The basis is the co-operation that has been agreed between SUPER GT and DTM, allowing for the use of the technical regulations of the most popular international touring car series in Japan as well. Moreover, a new series to the same regulations on the GRAND-AM platform will be established in the US. In 2017, all three series are to be exactly at the same technical level.

At the Japanese Formula 1 track in Suzuka, Honda, Lexus and Nissan showed their new cars for the upcoming season to the fans for the first time. With these cars, participation in the DTM would also be possible in the future.

Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of the board of DTM rights-holder and promoter ITR e.V., joined the presentation at the Suzuka circuit by means of a video connection during the press conference, just like GRAND-AM president, Ed Bennett. Aufrecht addressed congratulations to Masaaki Bandoh, chairman of SUPER GT promoter GTA, and the three manufacturers, “who have succeeded in carrying out the roll-out of all three cars at Suzuka this weekend”. Hans Werner Aufrecht continued: “My congratulations also to the drivers. They can look forward to fantastic cars, to sporty cars, and I think that competition will be similar to that here in Germany.”

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BMW Power

17-08-13, 17:47

BMW locks out front row of the grid at Nürburgring

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At the Nürburgring, BMW driver Augusto Farfus claimed the third pole position of his DTM career. In the final qualifying heat, the Brazilian set a fastest lap time of 1:23.296 minutes at the 3.629 kilometres long track in the Eifel and was overjoyed after that. “This pole is a dream. We had a hard day today and we worked a lot on the set-up of the car, because the track provides very little grip. After that, the car was great to drive, but tomorrow’s race will be long. I want to score many points, the championship is too far away,” the 29-year old said.

With a time of 1:23.445 minutes, his team-mate Marco Wittmann claimed second place. Thus, there will be two BMWs on the front row of the grid on Sunday. Miguel Molina ended up third as the best-placed Audi driver, only six thousandths of a second down on Wittmann. “I am very happy, that was a great qualifying for me. This season, we had many hard days, so being able to challenge for victory is all the more beautiful for me. A lot of things can happen in the race tomorrow. In the DTM, every day is different, but I am looking forward to the race.” With fourth place, Edoardo Mortara confirmed Audi’s strong performance.

The fastest Mercedes-Benz driver, Gary Paffett was classified fifth and was satisfied with it. “This year, it is very difficult. When you achieve a perfect lap, you are in front, but it can be the other way round very quickly. Today, we lacked the necessary speed, so fifth place is quite good,” said the driver, who is currently third in the drivers’ standings. Thus, he is in the best position on the starting grid of the title candidates.

Points’ leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) already was sidelined after the second qualifying heat. The Audi driver was nine thousandths of a second too slow and will be starting from eleventh place into Sunday’s race. “It is quite simple: we were too slow. That is too bad, but in the previous races, we have moved up to the front even from further down the order. Moreover, we have to see what the weather will be doing tomorrow,” the 29-year old said.

Rockenfeller’s fiercest rival Bruno Spengler (BMW) failed to benefit from the weak performance of the points’ leader. The runner-up in the drivers’ standings was classified tenth in qualifying and will thus be starting right in front of Rockenfeller on Sunday. “I am disappointed and not satisfied with the car. We are just not consistent enough, but anything can still happen,” the Canadian said.

An overview of the tyre choice of each driver for the start of the race on Sunday will be published on www.dtm.com on Saturday evening. The seventh DTM round of the season will cover 49 laps or 177.821 kilometres and will start on Sunday at 13.30 hrs. ARD is broadcasting live from 13.15 hrs.

BMW Power

17-08-13, 17:48

Farfus and Wittmann on the front row of the grid in the Eifel

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For the third time in his DTM career, Augusto Farfus will be starting a DTM race from pole position. In qualifying for the seventh DTM round of the 2013 season at the Nürburgring, he claimed the best starting grid position with a time of 1:23.296 minutes in the fourth and final qualifying heat. His fellow BMW driver Marco Wittmann will be starting next to him on the front row of the grid. The second row is locked out by Audi drivers: Miguel Molina and Edoardo Mortara will be starting the race in the Eifel from third and fourth place respectively. Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz) is behind them in fifth place on the starting grid. Defending champion Bruno Spengler (BMW) ended up tenth, directly ahead of Mike Rockenfeller (Audi), the leader in the DTM drivers' standings.

Qualifying in detail
Air temperature: 24.4 °C
Asphalt temperature: 34.7 °C

14.40 Start of qualifying. The first session lasts 16 minutes. Merhi is the first driver on track.
14.43 Rockenfeller on top with 1:24.226, followed by Tomczyk, Farfus, Albuquerque.
14.44 Paffett is fastest, then Molina takes over with 1:23.923. Hand moves up into second place woth 1:24.004.
14.45 Wickens is fastest with 1:23.915, then Rockenfeller on top again with 1:23.905.
14.46 Wittmann is fastest with 1:23.737.
14.48 Halfway through the session, Wittmann is fastest from Vietoris, Wickens, Rockenfeller, Molina, Paffett, Albuquerque, Hand, Spengler and Farfus. Currently, Werner, Tomczyk, Juncadella, Merhi, Green and Priaulx wouldn't be qualified for Q2.
14.54 Molina improves to third place, Rockenfeller takes over first place with 1:53.522.
14.55 Mortara is now second with 1:23.526. Glock improves from 17th to fourth: 1:23.636.
14.56 End of the session. Albuquerque, Scheider, Werner, Tomczyk, Merhi and Priaulx aren't qualified for Q2. Rockenfeller remains fastest from Mortara, Vietoris, Glock, Paffett, Juncadella, Wittmann, Molina, Wehrlein, Hand, Wickens, Tambay, Green, Farfus, Ekström, Spengler.
15.03 Start of Q2, eleven minutes. Green is the first driver on track.
15.05 Jamie Green is fastest with 1:23,641, then toppled by Vietoris, 1:23.573.
15.06 Mortara is on top with 1:23.332.
15.08 Halfway through the session, Mortara is fastest from Wickens, Wittmann, Molina, Vietoris, Rockenfeller, Green, Ekström, Paffett and Spengler. Farfus, Tambay, Hand, Glock, Wehrlein and Juncadella wouldn't be qualified for Q3.
15.11 Paffett improves from ninth to sixth: 1:23.546.
15.12 Vietoris is fastest with 1:23.241.
15.13 Juncadella improves to third, 1:23.363.
15.14 End of the session. Vietoris remains fastest from Mortara, Juncadella, Molina, Wickens, Spengler, Wittmann, Farfus, Ekström, Paffett. Not qualified for Q3 are Rockenfeller, Green, Glock, Tambay, Wehrlein and Hand.
15.22 Start of the session, 11 minutes. Mortara is the first driver on track.
15.25 Mortara is currently fastest with 1:23.506.
15.26 Wittmann is fastest with 1:23.332.
15.27 Farfus is fourth with a time of 1:23.847. Spengler, Vietoris and Juncadella also join the action.
15.29 Wittmann is in the lead from Molina, Mortara, Paffett, Wickens, Farfus and Ekström.
15.30 Vietoris is sixth after his first timed lap.
15.31 Farfus is now second: 1:23.392.
15.34 End of the session. Wittmann remains fastest from Farfus, Molina and Mortara. Not qualified for Q4 are Paffett, Juncadella, Wickens, Vietoris, Ekström and Spengler.
15.44 Edoardo Mortara: 1:23.648.
15.45 Miguel Molina: 1:23.451.
15.47 Augusto Farfus: 1:23.296.
15.49 Marco Wittmann: 1:23.445.

BMW Power

17-08-13, 17:50

Result overview Nuerburgring

Free Practice (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130818/Nuerburgring/Results/Free-Practice.html)

Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130818/Nuerburgring/Results/Qualifying.html)

BMW Power

17-08-13, 19:40

BMW DTM drivers go camping.
Ahead of the seventh race of the year, the eight BMW DTM drivers visited DTM fans at the nearby campsite, where they went up against the clock in a race to erect a two-man tent from the BMW Motorsport collection.

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The BMW drivers went head-to-head in teams of two, cheered on by the many fans at the campsite in Müllenbach. The fun competition proved great entertainment for all involved – particularly the campers, who took the opportunity to get closer than ever to their idols and even have a friendly chat. Before leaving, the drivers signed autographs and presented four lucky fans with the BMW Motorsport tents as a special memento.
“It is always great to get so close to our fans. Particularly here at the Nürburgring, where we always receive such fantastic support,” said Spengler. “It was great fun erecting the tents – especially with the support of the fans. I have never known it be so easy to put up a tent. The BMW Motorsport tent was ready within two minutes. The atmosphere reminded me of the early days in my career. When I started in karting, my family and me used to camp during the race weekends.”
Tomczyk also enjoyed himself. “I love the Nürburgring and everything that comes with it. The fans here are particularly enthusiastic, so it only seems right that we should give them something back through antics like this,” said the 2011 DTM champion. “The BMW Motorsport tents might not be quite as spacious as the motorhome I travel to the circuits in, but they are incredibly quick and easy to erect.”

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BMW Power

25-08-13, 12:16

Wittmann third in practice.
Marco Wittmann was the quickest BMW driver in free practice ahead of the seventh DTM race of the season at the Nürburgring. The BMW Team MTEK driver was third fastest in a time of 1:23.554 minutes.

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The second-fastest BMW driver was DTM champion Bruno Spengler. Despite suffering technical problems, which cost him valuable minutes of practice time, he still clocked the ninth quickest time. Augusto Farfus, who finished third to claim the last podium spot in Moscow, was tenth with Martin Tomczyk twelfth.
Andy Priaulx, Dirk Werner, Timo Glock and Joey Hand ended the 90-minute session in 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st respectively. The fastest lap of 1:23.491 minutes was set by Audi driver Filipe Albuquerque – 0.063 seconds quicker than Wittmann.

BMW Power

25-08-13, 12:17

Two BMW M3 DTMs will start from the front row.
In qualifying ahead of the seventh round at the Nürburgring, Augusto Farfus secured pole position in his Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM with a time of 1:23.296 minutes. Marco Wittmann of BMW Team MTEK will start from second on the grid for the second time in his rookie season.

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The young German previously achieved this feat at the wheel of the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM in Spielberg. Farfus’s pole position is also BMW Motorsport’s second of the season and 37th in the DTM. BMW Team Schnitzer driver Bruno Spengler had to make do with tenth place. The reigning champion, in the BMW Bank M3 DTM, failed to make it through to the fourth qualifying session. Spengler will start Sunday’s race just in front of championship leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi).
Timo Glock (POSTBANK BMW M3 DTM) and Joey Hand (BMW M3 DTM) ended Q2 in 13th and 16th respectively. Dirk Werner (SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM), Martin Tomczyk (BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) will start from 19th, 20th and 22nd on the grid.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“Congratulations to Augusto Farfus and Marco Wittmann on their fantastic qualifying and first and second places. This is the second time we have had two BMW M3 DTMs starting next to each other on the front of the grid. We are very happy with this result, particularly here at the Nürburgring. We also have another BMW driver in the top ten, in the form of Bruno Spengler. He lost about half an hour of free practice due to a technical problem, and in the end that cost him. Generally speaking, it was another incredibly close qualifying. Some of our drivers went out early on. We will take a close look at what happened there. All in all I am very happy with today. We are looking forward to an exciting race tomorrow.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal BMW Team RBM):
“This is a magnificent result for BMW and our team. The engineers, mechanics and, above all, Augusto Farfus at the wheel did a sensational job. We started to believe this kind of top result might be possible after Augusto’s impressive lap in Q3. We then got the tyre pressures absolutely spot on in the all-important session – and Augusto got the very best out of the car – and pole position. He was not 100 per cent happy with his car, but Augusto still managed to excel in qualifying. That is a very special ability. Joey Hand’s 16th was not what he deserved today, as he actually also showed good pace. However, the DTM is an incredibly close affair. That is why we are so happy about the pole position.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 1st):
“This is an absolute dream result. I am actually a bit surprised to start from pole, as this morning’s free practice was tough. The car was not so good at first. Therefore, we made a few changes with qualifying in mind. Fortunately we made the right decisions. That is what makes the DTM so exciting: no matter how hard you work as a team, you never quite know where you are going to land in qualifying. I now have a very good chance for tomorrow. However, I am certain the race will still have a few surprises in store.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 2nd):
“I am obviously overjoyed with second place. It is fantastic to be back on the front row of the grid after three races that did not exactly go to plan. My pace was very good all the way through qualifying. I was not too far behind Augusto Farfus in the end. The fact that BMW will start from first and second on the grid is a fantastic team result. We must now take full advantage of our promising starting positions in tomorrow’s race.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 10th):
“We were simply not quick enough today. We struggled with technical problems in practice, and the time we lost cost us dearly when it came to working on the set-up. Because of this, we unfortunately had to settle for tenth on the grid. However, I will go on the attack tomorrow and am certain I can fight my way through the field in the race.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 13th):
“We had a few problems with the balance of our car in free practice. We did significantly improve the set-up for qualifying, but the short time available was unfortunately not quite enough to get the car perfect. That is why we were missing those all-important tenths of a second.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RMG, 16th):
“In Q1 I felt we had made a step in the right direction from free practice. However, what happens to us in Q2 when the track gets rubber and gets hot is we struggle and the car gets looser and looser. It is tough to manage and tough to put a good lap together. If it stays dry we should have a good race and be able to move forward, as we did in Moscow. If it rains, however, no one knows what will happen.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 19th):
“That is a huge disappointment. You obviously do your very best to avoid going out in Q1. I am always really motivated ahead of every race weekend, so it is very disillusioning to go out so early.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 20th):
“My team and I always try to get the very best out of the car every weekend. Unfortunately we are not managing that at the moment. It is difficult to say exactly why that is. To have to down tools so early in proceedings at our team’s home race is obviously disappointing. However, we will look ahead. Maybe fortune will finally favour us in tomorrow’s race. It is tough to constantly have to pick yourself up, but we are doing our best.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 22nd):
“This qualifying has left me totally frustrated. However hard we try, and I can assure you we worked very hard today between free practice and qualifying, we just don't seem to be able to get the performance out of the car. As usual, I shall give it my all on Sunday. With rain predicted, you never know what will happen tomorrow.”
The race begins at 13:30 on Sunday, with 49 laps of the Nürburgring awaiting the eight BMW DTM drivers.

BMW Power

25-08-13, 12:19

Eventful race: Farfus on the podium.
The rain came down just in time for the start of the seventh DTM race of the season at the Nürburgring, making it a real motorsport thriller and providing plenty of dramatic scenes.

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BMW Team RBM driver Augusto Farfus, who had started from pole position, drove a flawless race in difficult conditions at the wheel of the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM, and only lost out to the victorious Robert Wickens (Mercedes). This was Farfus’ third podium of the season and the sixth of his DTM career.
Martin Tomczyk also coped well with the conditions. Starting from 20th on the grid in the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM, he battled his way through the field to cross the finish line fifth. In doing so, he finished back in the points for the first time since the 2012 race at the Nürburgring, finally bringing his barren streak to an end. Fifth was also the best result of the season for BMW Team RMG.
Marco Wittmann got off to a good start, but the rookie from BMW Team MTEK dropped well back down the field after slipping up in the opening phase of the race. Wittmann refused to give up, however, and worked his way back to seventh in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM. His team-mate Timo Glock dropped out of the points positions after he was hit and spun round by Daniel Juncadella. At the end of the 47 laps, Glock finished 18th.
Just like in Moscow, defending DTM champion Bruno Spengler was on the end of some rotten luck. The BMW Team Schnitzer driver was hit by rivals several times in the early laps, resulting in damage to his BMW Bank M3 DTM. As the track dried out over the course of the race, Spengler was unable to defend his position in the top ten. The Canadian finished 14th, just in front of Dirk Werner (SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM). Joey Hand’s race came to a premature end in the first corner following a collision.
Spengler drops down to fourth in the overall standings and is now 39 points behind championship leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi), who came home fourth at the Nürburgring. Farfus (66) now trails Spengler by just one point. BMW was able to defend its lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship and now has 251 points to its name.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was a dramatic and unbelievably intense race. I definitely have a few more grey hairs now. The way this race panned out, it was not easy to hold your ground at the front of the field. Therefore, I am very happy with the second place achieved by Augusto Farfus, who produced a great display in these very tricky conditions. I am particularly pleased with Martin Tomczyk’s sensational race. Given the difficult outings endured recently, this was a huge relief to him and the entire team. Marco Wittmann also produced a great comeback after his early set-back. It was a very frustrating race for Bruno Spengler, who was hit hard on several occasions. His car was so badly damaged that he could not do much to defend himself towards the end of the race. Even great pit stops could not help him. The bottom line, however, is that we are happy with our weekend’s work at the Nürburgring. We were able to score some valuable points towards the Manufacturers’ Championship, and the Drivers’ Championship is still not a lost cause, even though the situation in the overall standings did not improve this weekend. We will do everything in our power at the remaining three races to ensure we are still in a good position going into the finale. Congratulations to Mercedes and Robert Wickens on their win.”

BMW Power

25-08-13, 12:20

Reactions to the seventh DTM round.
Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the four team principals and the eight BMW DTM drivers had to say after the race at the Nürburgring.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was a dramatic and unbelievably intense race. I definitely have a few more grey hairs now. The way this race panned out, it was not easy to hold your ground at the front of the field. Therefore, I am very happy with the second place achieved by Augusto Farfus, who produced a great display in these very tricky conditions. I am particularly pleased with Martin Tomczyk’s sensational race. Given the difficult outings endured recently, this was a huge relief to him and the entire team. Marco Wittmann also produced a great comeback after his early set-back. It was a very frustrating race for Bruno Spengler, who was hit hard on several occasions. His car was so badly damaged that he could not do much to defend himself towards the end of the race. Even great pit stops could not help him. The bottom line, however, is that we are happy with our weekend’s work at the Nürburgring. We were able to score some valuable points towards the Manufacturers’ Championship. And the Drivers’ Championship is still not a lost cause, even though the situation in the overall standings did not improve this weekend. We will do everything in our power at the remaining three races to ensure we are still in a good position going into the finale. Congratulations to Mercedes and Robert Wickens on their win.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“It is fantastic to be on the podium with Augusto Farfus again here at the Nürburgring. The conditions were far from easy, but he still got off to a good start. This was very important. Our strategy was right and the timing of our stops was good. Augusto fully deserved his second place, even though he was blocked by other drivers at times. We are yet to take a close look at what happened to Joey Hand in turn one. The fact is, however, he found himself stuck in the gravel and unfortunately had to retire early on. Despite this, we can be very satisfied with our performance at the Nürburgring.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“The Nürburgring seems to bring us luck. This is probably the happiest I have ever been with a fifth place. The curse has finally been broken and Martin Tomczyk has finished in the points again after a real barren streak. He produced a very impressive race, and our team was rewarded for its fighting spirit. Although Andy Priaulx did not fare so well in today’s rain-dominated race, we will take a lot of confidence from our home event.”
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“We picked up some points with Marco Wittmann, but all in all we lost out today. Our pace was really good this weekend, so we should really have been up there competing for the top positions. However, that was not to be. Marco made a mistake, which cost him some time, but then fought back brilliantly. Timo Glock was spun round by an opponent. After that we took a big risk with his strategy, which unfortunately did not pay off.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“The infamous Eifel weather once again produced an exciting and eventful race. We are obviously bitterly disappointed with the result. Bruno Spengler’s car was badly damaged as early as lap one. He was complaining it was very difficult to drive, particularly in right-handers. At first he was able to mix it with the front-runners, but then dropped back when the track dried out. That is obviously a shame, as we really wanted to leave here with some points. The race did not go at all to plan for Dirk Werner either. However, our pit crew does deserve particular praise: we completed the two fastest pit stops of the race. We will now move on quickly from this weekend and push hard again in Oschersleben.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 2nd):
Tyres: Option-Wet-Option
“I am very happy with second place, but would like to congratulate Robert Wickens on his maiden win. It was very difficult today, as I was not quite as quick as expected in the wet conditions. That cost me track position and, ultimately, the victory. All in all, we have to say second place in those conditions is a very good result. Trying to make the right strategic decisions was a bit of a lottery. We now have a break, which will give us time to analyse the past few races and return at full strength in Oschersleben.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 5th):
Tyres: Option-Wet-Option
“I am obviously pleased to have finally scored my first points of the season. It is particularly nice for it to have happened at BMW Team RMG’s home race. The first lap alone was awesome. I was able to move up to ninth place. It was great fun driving in the rain. The car was really quick in the wet conditions. When the track then started to dry out, I was not entirely able to match the pace of the others and eventually crossed the finish line fifth. When you consider I started the race from 20th on the grid, I am very happy with that result.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 7th):
Tyres: Option-Wet-Option
“I had the pace to do better than that, but unfortunately we came into the pits one lap too late. I was not able to control the car on a surface that was getting wetter by the minute, and skidded off the track. Without that one unfortunate lap, I could have been in contention for the win.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 14th):
Tyres: Option-Wet-Option
“My car was badly damaged after the very first lap. I could still hold onto my place among the leaders in the rain, but was struggling as soon as the track started to dry out. That was obviously a set-back for us, but one thing is guaranteed: we will not give in. I will be back strong as a lion in Oschersleben.
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 15th):
Tyres: Standard-Wet-Wet-Option
“I think there was more in today’s race for us than that. Because of this, I am very disappointed. It was very tricky in the rain at first, but my pace was then good on slicks. All in all, however, it was not a good weekend at all. We must now pick ourselves up in time for the next race.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 16th):
Tyres: Option-Wet-Option
“I made a good start and had a good first lap, at the end of which I was up to twelfth. Then I just went backwards on the wet tyre. I had no grip at all for the whole race. It is disappointing.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 18th):
Tyres: Option-Wet-Option
“That was one of the most disappointing races of my life. Having first been spun round, we then got our strategy completely wrong and switched to slicks far too early. That put paid to any hopes of finishing in the points. Congratulations to BMW and Augusto Farfus on the podium in these difficult conditions.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, DNF):
Tyres: Standard
“That was the best start I have made since I started driving in the DTM. Unfortunately, however, it did not pay dividends. I was hit from behind and spun off into a gravel bed. That is very frustrating, as I had already made up three or four positions at that point.”

BMW Power

25-08-13, 12:21

Nuerburgring: Free Practice (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130818/Nuerburgring/Results/Free-Practice.html)

Nuerburgring: Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130818/Nuerburgring/Results/Qualifying.html)

Nuerburgring: Race (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130818/Nuerburgring/Results/Race.html)

Championship Standings (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3KFtFXkdk

BMW Power

25-08-13, 12:23

BMW lines up with the BMW M4 DTM in 2014.
BMW M GmbH launched the BMW Concept M4 Coupé, an innovative high-performance sports car based on the new BMW 4 Series in Pebble Beach. This model also provides the first taste of the BMW M4 DTM, with which BMW Motorsport will compete in the popular touring car series next year.

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“We are all really looking forward to the new BMW M4 DTM,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The BMW Concept M4 Coupé certainly looks fantastic. So will our DTM car for next season – I can already promise all the fans that much. The BMW M3 DTM won the title at the first attempt in 2012. We obviously want to follow on from this success with its successor. However, it will still be quite a while until we get to see our new DTM racing car for the first time.”
“A year ago we celebrated the 40th anniversary of BMW M and the 25th birthday of the BMW M3 in style, with Bruno Spengler winning the DTM race,” said Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH, in Pebble Beach. “With the launch of the BMW Concept M4 Coupé, we are now laying the foundation for a new era, both on the road and on the racetrack. The reactions to the Concept Car have so far been overwhelming. It is almost a matter of course to use it as the basis for a motorsport version. The DTM is obviously the ideal platform for this step. All fans of BMW M and the DTM certainly have good reason to start looking forward to 2014.”
So far, the BMW M3 has 48 DTM wins to its name. Harald Grohs scored the first victory in Hockenheim in 1987. The latest success came courtesy of Bruno Spengler at this year’s race in Spielberg. The BMW M3 has also picked up victories in many other series and at racing events around the world, earning its place as the most successful touring car of all time.

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BMW Power

25-08-13, 12:23

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BMW Power

16-09-13, 10:01

Strong showing.
90 minutes of set-up and preparation work awaited the BMW DTM drivers in the free practice session in Oschersleben – and they were also quick. Dirk Werner clocked the second-fastest lap time.

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At the wheel of his SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM, the BMW Team Schnitzer driver set a time of 1:21.174 minutes, proving once more he copes really well with the 3.696-kilometre “Motorsport Arena”. Last year Werner finished fourth in the race, only narrowly missing out on a spot on the podium. On Saturday morning, only Audi’s Mike Rockenfeller was quicker than the German.
Werner’s team-mate, reigning champion Bruno Spengler, recorded a time of 1:21.406 minutes which earned him 11th. Martin Tomczyk, Timo Glock, Marco Wittmann and Andy Priaulx finished 12th to 15th respectively, while Augusto Farfus and Joey Hand came 17th and 19th.
In the qualifying session from 14:40 local time, the eight BMW drivers will fight for good grid positions for Sunday’s eighth DTM round of the season.

BMW Power

16-09-13, 10:01

Farfus starts from front row.
BMW Motorsport impressed during qualifying ahead of the eighth race of the DTM season in Oschersleben.

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Augusto Farfus made it through to the fourth qualifying session for the sixth time this year and will start Sunday’s race from second on the grid. The BMW Team RBM driver clocked a time of 1:20.442 minutes in Q4. Jamie Green (Audi) inherited pole position.
The fastest time in qualifying was actually set by Bruno Spengler. However, the reigning DTM champion was subsequently relegated five places after a mix-up with tyres on his BMW Bank M3 DTM in Q3. Therefore, he now starts from sixth. Dirk Werner, his team-mate at BMW Team Schnitzer, produced a good display in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM, setting the fifth fastest time and narrowly missing out on a top-four spot by just a few thousandths of a second on a “Motorsport Arena” track that was slippery after rain showers. Despite this, he still claimed his best qualifying result of the season so far and will start from fourth on the grid as a result of Spengler’s penalty.
Martin Tomczyk was the fourth BMW driver in the top ten, qualifying ninth at the wheel of the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM. However, the 2011 champion will start from eighth on the grid after another driver was relegated.
The two BMW Team MTEK drivers, Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) and Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM) were unfortunate. Their hopes of progressing into Q2 were dashed when it began to rain again in Q2. They eventually qualified 15th and 16th. Joey Hand (BMW M3 DTM) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) will start Sunday’s race from 18th and 19th on the grid.
The race begins at 13:30hrs (CEST) on Sunday.

BMW Power

16-09-13, 10:02

Farfus celebrates win in Oschersleben.
Augusto Farfus is back on the top step of the podium: the BMW Team RBM driver produced a flawless race in Oschersleben to win the eighth race of the DTM season, coming home 6.298 seconds ahead of Mike Rockenfeller (Audi).

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The 30-year-old laid the foundations for his victory at the start, when he got away cleanly from second on the grid to pass Jamie Green (Audi) and take the lead by the time he reached the first corner. It was the 57th win for BMW Motorsport in the DTM and the 49th for the BMW M3. Farfus celebrated his third victory in the popular touring car series, and his second of the season.
In the Drivers’ Championship, Farfus moves up to second on 91 points after his third podium in a row. He is now the only driver still with a mathematical chance of catching championship leader Rockenfeller (124). BMW was able to retain its lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship with 276 points, ahead of Audi (267) and Mercedes-Benz (237).
It was an eventful race for the remaining BMW drivers, and particularly reigning champion Bruno Spengler. The BMW Team Schnitzer driver made an outstanding start from sixth on the grid, immediately making up three places. Over the course of the race, however, he was unable to match the pace of the leaders in his BMW Bank M3 DTM and was forced to retire 11 laps from the end following a collision with Robert Wickens (Mercedes).
Martin Tomczyk made a jump start from eighth on the grid, resulting in a drive-through penalty that saw the BMW Team RMG driver drop well back down the field. Tomczyk, at the wheel of the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM, eventually retired from the race shortly before the end with technical problems.
Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM), Dirk Werner (SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM), Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM), Joey Hand (BMW M3 DTM) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) also missed out on the points, coming home 12th, 13th, 15th, 16th and 19th respectively. Hand did set the fastest lap of the race, clocking a time of 1:21.255 minutes on lap 14.

BMW Power

16-09-13, 10:02

Reactions to the eighth DTM race in Oschersleben.
Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the team principals and the eight drivers had to say after the eighth race of the season.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was a fantastic performance from Augusto Farfus and BMW Team RBM in an incredibly intense race. It is a great feeling to have one of our drivers back on the top step of the podium. This is Augusto’s third podium in a row and his second win of the year. That is very impressive. Behind him, the race was extremely turbulent at times. Given our starting positions, we should obviously have had one or two more cars in the points. We will now analyse that in greater detail. For now, however, we are celebrating our third win of the season, Augusto and BMW Team RBM.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“That was a fantastic performance from Augusto Farfus. Even his qualifying was awesome: that was the sixth time in a row he had made it into the top-four qualifying, which is very impressive. The key to the race was his perfect start, after which he was able to open up a lead and control the pace. From a strategic point of view, it was not easy keeping Mike Rockenfeller at bay. In the end, our pace was good enough on both compounds to stay in front right through to the finish. A great result! Joey Hand found a very strong pace during certain phases, as shown by his fastest race lap. However, the starting position plays a very large role in the DTM, and his was not good enough this time. We will work on that. Despite this, on the whole we are obviously very happy.“
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“We are obviously bitterly disappointed. Yesterday we were the fastest in qualifying, and now we leave without any points and with only one of our cars having finished. We will have to bounce back from this. Bruno Spengler’s retirement is particularly crucial, as we were looking for a lot of points from him here. Dirk Werner lost valuable time in his middle stint, when he was also trying to watch Bruno’s back a bit. Generally speaking, however, we struggled today. It just was not our day. I would like to congratulate Augusto Farfus and BMW Team RBM. They showed what was possible today.”
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“Congratulations to Augusto Farfus and his team. The race was actually ok from our point of view, but yesterday’s qualifying obviously meant we were starting from very difficult positions. We opted for a risky strategy for Timo Glock. If the race had gone our way, then it could definitely have paid off. Timo did a very long stint on the option tyres and did very well to maintain performance. Marco Wittmann was a little unlucky in the first corner, but drove a solid race after that. We simply have to put ourselves in better positions on the Saturday.“
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“That was an extremely disappointing weekend for us here in Oschersleben. Despite this, I would like to thank my team for working so hard. We will continue to push ahead of the next race, in order to come away with a better result again. Congratulations to BMW Team RBM and Augusto Farfus. They produced a great race.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 1st):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“I am obviously very happy. Every victory is special and you have to fight very hard for them, but this track is also very special as I have great memories from racing here in the past. I had a good start from second and the pace of the car was very good from the beginning. I was able to pull away with the option tyre, then with the prime I could keep up with Mike Rockenfeller. The car was very stable for the entire race. I wanted to do the best job I could and thankfully that was good enough for first. Also a big thank you to BMW Team RBM for the great job everyone did today.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 12th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“It was definitely a tough race. I think we lost everything yesterday in the qualifying, as I had a bad starting position. The start was okay, but not the best. I was more or less in a sandwich for the first corner. I had to brake and lost quite a lot of positions. I tried to fight back and in the end I finished 12th. I think that was the maximum I could have hoped for today. It was great to see Augusto win, so congratulations to him. Now we need to look forward to Zandvoort where I want a good qualifying so I can achieve a good result.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 13th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“The result is quite disappointing. I lost two places at the start and then got stuck in traffic after my first pit stop. After that my tyres degraded badly, so I was hardly able to defend myself. Congratulations to Augusto on his second win of the season. In contrast, I must forget that race and concentrate on the next challenges.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 15th):
Tyres: Standard-Standard-Option
“We tried something different. We pitted very early and I think I have done the longest stint ever for me on options. I had a very good start, a good first lap and then I just tried to keep the option tyres alive from lap six on. I am just happy we brought the car home. Unfortunately it didn't work out, but from that position we had to try something.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, 16th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“I was in a thankless position, as I had to start from towards he back of the field. Because of this, I just tried to get through the first corners undamaged. However, I was hit several times and my car was damaged, making it virtually impossible to drive. Despite this, I tried to push on and maybe get into the points. However, there really was not much I could do from that point on.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 19th):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“I had a damaged car at the front for almost the whole race. I was then put on the grass, resulting in the car sliding sideways and being damaged. Despite this, I carried on and tried my best. The incident with Daniel Juncadella, in which he spun me after my pit stop, was just one of those racing incidents.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 20th):
Tyres: Standard-Standard-Option
“First of all I have to apologise to my team. We did a reasonably okay job yesterday in qualifying and the starting position was quite good. I was quite optimistic going into the race, but unfortunately I had a jump start. It was my mistake so I’m sorry for that. Otherwise I just did my race and it was nothing special. At the end I retired due to a technical problem, and we will now have to investigate what it was. Unfortunately I would have had to retire regardless of where I was lying in the race.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, DNF):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“We had problems with the balance of the car in today’s race. I was not quick enough and tried to defend. The collision with Robert Wickens was unfortunate. I was on the inside, he was on the outside. He tried to pull in and unfortunately we collided. I had obviously hoped for a very different result. However, I will still try to do my best and win the last two races. Congratulations to Augusto Farfus on his success.”

BMW Power

16-09-13, 10:04

Spengler to be dropped two places on the grid for the next race
Bruno Spengler will probably like to erase the weekend at Oschersleben from his memory as quickly as possible. First, he lost his pole position, then he retired from the race and thus lost his chances of defending the title and finally, he also got a penalty for the upcoming DTM round at Zandvoort.

At Oschersleben, BMW driver Spengler and his Canadian compatriot Robert Wickens (Mercedes-Benz) had collided on lap 38 and then both retired. The stewards put the blame for the crash on Spengler and imposed a grid penalty of two places for the upcoming race on September 29th on the ousted 2012 champion.

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BMW Power

16-09-13, 10:07

Result overview Motorsport-Arena-Oschersleben

Free Practice (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130915/Motorsport-Arena-Oschersleben/Results/Free-Practice.html)

Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130915/Motorsport-Arena-Oschersleben/Results/Qualifying.html)

Race (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130915/Motorsport-Arena-Oschersleben/Results/Race.html)

Standings (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

BMW Power

20-09-13, 11:56

3-2-1 Farfus.
Augusto Farfus was once again the best-placed BMW driver in Oschersleben, claiming his second win of the season.

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The 30-year-old’s first victory came at the season-opener in Hockenheim. After third place in Moscow and second at the Nürburgring, the win in the “Motorsport Arena” was Farfus’ third podium in a row. With 91 points to his name, the BMW Team RBM driver is now the only driver in the entire field still able to challenge Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) in the race for the DTM title.
Three questions for… Augusto Farfus.
Augusto, talk us through the race in Oschersleben …
Augusto Farfus: “I knew I had to push in the first laps and to jump Jamie Green at the start, and I did this thanks to a great start. I tried to push in the opening laps to open up a gap and was able to do this as the car was very well balanced on the option tyres. Then when I changed onto the prime at the end of lap 21 I was able to keep up with Mike Rockenfeller. Then at the end of the race I was back on prime again, and once everyone else had pitted by the end of lap 42 I was able to move back into the lead. I then maintained a healthy six to seven second gap on him. You also have to remember I had a brilliant car thanks to BMW Team RBM and the strategy was perfect.”
You seem to have a special affinity with Oschersleben and perhaps have won more races here than anywhere else.
Farfus: “Yes that could be the case, but I have also had some big wins in Valencia. The nice thing is I have won in both the FIA World Touring Car Championship and the DTM at both of them. I may have to sit down and work out which has been my most successful track. However, I do feel a link to Oschersleben as it is always nice to go to one of the older types of tracks, that are perhaps more traditional, and where I have had great results. Today was one of those days at one of those tracks. Even without the victory, it is a track which is special for me. I feel a very close connection to it and like it more and more each time I visit.”
As you are the only driver who can mathematically beat Mike Rockenfeller what will you do now?
Farfus: “I shall just do my job, and I feel in the end we have to just approach this race by race. It is a long way to Mike in terms of points, as he has 33 more than me. He drove a brilliant race again today. Mathematically we still have a chance, so we still have to fight for the championship and I would love to go to Hockenheim still in with a shout. I am now hoping for good pace in Zandvoort so I can squeeze everything possible out of my Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM. Hopefully then I can arrive in Hockenheim, where I won the first race of the year, still with a title fight on our hands. But let’s wait and see.”

BMW Power

25-09-13, 12:46

Blustery race on the North Sea coast.
The DTM is rapidly approaching the climax of the 2013 season as it heads to Zandvoort for the ninth of ten race weekends.

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The race at the iconic “Circuit Park” marks the series’ fourth round outside of Germany, after trips to Brands Hatch, Spielberg and Moscow. After his win in Oschersleben, BMW Team RBM’s Augusto Farfus is now the only driver in the DTM field who could still prevent championship leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) from winning the drivers’ title. The Brazilian starts the penultimate weekend of the year in second place in the Drivers’ Championship with 91 points – 33 points behind Rockenfeller.

For the four BMW teams, the outing on the North Sea coast is all about producing a good team performance and scoring valuable points towards the Manufacturers’ Championship. BMW currently tops the standings with 276 points, followed by Audi (267) and Mercedes-Benz (237).

The “Circuit Park Zandvoort” features changes in elevation, crests and bumps, making every lap of the 4.307-kilometre track a real rollercoaster ride. Another challenge is the sand, which is blown across the track by a sometimes strong coastal wind. The North Sea coast is just a stone’s throw from the circuit. One of the best overtaking opportunities on the entire circuit comes in the form of the first corner at the end of the start/finish straight, which is known as Tarzanbocht.

BMW Power

25-09-13, 12:47

DTM drivers visit the Oktoberfest.
In September, the eyes of the world are traditionally on Munich as the beer kegs are tapped and a party atmosphere descends: since Saturday, millions of visitors have once again flocked to the Bavarian capital for the 180th Oktoberfest.

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The BMW Group once again extended an invitation to its annual “Wiesn Sport-Stammtisch” get-together at the largest and most famous festival in the world. Top sportsmen from different disciplines enjoyed a whirlwind trip to the Theresienwiese. With sunny skies, about 30 athletes and officials from the fields of motorsport, winter sport and running met up on Tuesday to reflect on the events of the 2013 season so far, and enjoy the unique atmosphere at the Oktoberfest.
A meeting of the BMW sports stars could hardly have been much more colourful and diverse. Those representing the winter sports included BMW Group Sports Ambassador Katarina Witt (figure skating), Georg Hackl (luge), Rosi Mittermaier (downhill skiing), Christian Neureuther (downhill skiing) and Christoph Langen (bob). Two-time world skeleton champion Anja Huber and luge ace Natalie Geisenberger graced the get-together with her presence, while BMW Brand Ambassador Prince Leopold of Bavaria and BMW Running Ambassador Ingalena Heuck also stopped in to sample the Oktoberfest atmosphere.
This who’s who of sport would not be complete without the BMW racing stars: BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, BMW DTM drivers Bruno Spengler, Dirk Werner, Augusto Farfus, Martin Tomczyk, Andy Priaulx, Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock were joined at Oktoberfest by test and development driver Maxime Martin. The DTM drivers enjoyed an entertaining day before turning their attention to the ninth race of the season in Zandvoort this weekend.
First up was a joint photo session at the “Bavaria” statue, one of Munich’s many landmarks, which was built by King Ludwig I. in the middle of the 19th century. After a ride on the dodgems the sports stars tested their strength on the “Hau den Lukas” strongman game. Another highlight was the archery competition on the “Oiden Wiesn”, a traditional fair that takes place parallel to Oktoberfest on the southern area of the Theresienwiese. This heralded the more relaxed part of the Oktoberfest get-together. The athletes tucked into hearty Bavarian delicacies, washed down with the odd cool beer.
Quotes from the 2013 BMW Wiesn Sport-Stammtisch:

Bruno Spengler (BMW Team Schnitzer):
“I love Oktoberfest. The atmosphere here is absolutely fantastic. Even the weather is playing ball and the sun is out. It is a great day to have fun with my fellow BMW drivers and the other athletes. I have to admit that I was here yesterday too with the guys from BMW Team Schnitzer. Oktoberfest is a good opportunity to switch off and relax again ahead of the forthcoming race in Zandvoort at the weekend.”
Augusto Farfus (BMW Team RBM):
“On a day like today, with this wonderful sunshine, a day at Oktoberfest is obviously twice as much fun. For the last five years, I have come here at least once a year. I like the atmosphere, and everyone is just having great fun. For me, this festival is an integral part of what Munich is about.”
Martin Tomczyk (BMW Team RMG):
“Oktoberfest is quite simply a must for a born-and-bred Bavarian like me. Every year I look forward to making the trip from Rosenheim to Munich to visit the festival with BMW. I particularly enjoyed the tour round the ‘Oide Wiesn’. I was able to show the other athletes who are not from Bavaria a little bit more of my home. I can live with the fact that I did not have a chance on the ‘Hau-den-Lukas’ strongman game against the bob athletes with their huge upper arms.”
Timo Glock (BMW Team MTEK):
“It is very special to visit Oktoberfest with BMW in blue skies and glorious sunshine, to wonder around the festival and to try out the odd fairground ride. I had great fun meeting the other athletes. You get to know new people, make new contacts, and find out a bit more about what is going on outside of the world of motorsport.”

BMW Power

27-09-13, 11:10

Quotes from the BMW drivers before the race

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Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer): “Although I am no longer able to defend my title in the Drivers’ Championship, I will still be trying my best to win more races. I have always been quick in Zandvoort. The Circuit Park is a very interesting track, with a lot of undulating sections, hard braking, and some very fast corners. It is also very challenging for the teams, as the circuit is very hard on the tyres and it is difficult to find the right set-up.”

Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer): “I really like the track in Zandvoort. It is in a really great setting in the midst of all the sand dunes. Last year was a good race for me, as I finished in the points. I have some of my relatives coming at the weekend. It is always great to have extra support. It is getting really tight in the Manufacturers’ Championship, so we really have to get our heads together and come up with a good strategy for the race, in order to maintain our lead.”

Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM): “Last year the weather was very tricky on both Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully it will be consistent this year. If so, we should be able to put in a good performance, as this track suits our car. The key question will be how long the tyres last. Of all the circuits in the DTM, this track is the most aggressive on tyres. You can only win if you have the perfect race strategy. I have nothing to lose and go into the weekend fully motivated.”

Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM): “Zandvoort is possibly the most ‘American’ track on the DTM calendar. The speeds are high and the cars get very close to the walls. It should be a good track for me, so I have high expectations. It would be a great morale booster for everyone in the team if we could have a good race just before the finale in Hockenheim.”

Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG): “Zandvoort is like no other circuit in the DTM. From sand dunes to hills and crests: everything is different to what you find at other circuits. The layout is quite tricky, but I am definitely looking forward to it. We proved last year that we can be quick there, so I hope we can get another good result there this time round.”

Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG): “It is a unique circuit, as you are right next to the beach so you always have that holiday feeling. Being so close to the sea, the wind and rain can come in suddenly, so the weather conditions can really play a crucial role in the race. Despite this, the circuit is simply fantastic. It is undulating, fast, and one of the old tracks that still has a lot of character.”

Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK): “The Circuit Park is not a modern designer circuit, but a natural racetrack. You really need the car’s aerodynamics to be good in the many fast corners. You can both gain and lose a lot of time in these sections. I am determined to exhaust the full potential of our car and get back in the points.”

Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK): “I raced in Zandvoort during my time in Formula 3. Circuit Park is quite a nice track. There are a couple of high speed corners, which I think will be quite interesting in a DTM car. I am looking forward to going back to Zandvoort and hopefully we can have a good weekend and grab some points.”

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director): “Our third win of the season in Oschersleben has given everyone in the team another boost of motivation. Because of this, we head to Zandvoort with plenty of momentum and have set our sights high for the penultimate race of the 2013 season. It is fantastic that, in Augusto Farfus, we have the only driver in the field who, along with Mike Rockenfeller, still has a chance of winning the Drivers’ Championship. We will do everything in our power to ensure the fans in Hockenheim are treated to a real showdown for the title and that the championship comes down to the final race – just as it did in 2012. And we saw last year what is possible if that is the case. We are also leading the Manufacturers’ Championship, and want to defend this lead in Zandvoort. To achieve this, we will have to get a better all-round result than we did recently in Oschersleben. That is our goal.”

BMW Power

27-09-13, 11:11

BMW DTM teams ready for their trip to Zandvoort

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The DTM is rapidly approaching the climax of the 2013 season as it heads to Zandvoort for the ninth of ten race weekends. The race at the iconic “Circuit Park” marks the series’ fourth round outside of Germany, after trips to Brands Hatch, Spielberg and Moscow. After his win in Oschersleben, BMW Team RBM’s Augusto Farfus is now the only driver in the DTM field who could still prevent championship leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) from winning the drivers’ title. The Brazilian starts the penultimate weekend of the year in second place in the Drivers’ Championship with 91 points – 33 points behind Rockenfeller.

For the four BMW teams, the outing on the North Sea coast is all about producing a good team performance and scoring valuable points towards the Manufacturers’ Championship. BMW currently tops the standings with 276 points, followed by Audi (267) and Mercedes-Benz (237).

The “Circuit Park Zandvoort” features changes in elevation, crests and bumps, making every lap of the 4.307-kilometre track a real rollercoaster ride. Another challenge is the sand, which is blown across the track by a sometimes strong coastal wind. The North Sea coast is just a stone’s throw from the circuit. One of the best overtaking opportunities on the entire circuit comes in the form of the first corner at the end of the start/finish straight, which is known as Tarzanbocht.

Before they pull out of the pit lane in the Netherlands for the first time, the BMW DTM drivers have another special appointment this week. They will visit Munich’s Oktoberfest, the largest beer festival in the world, on Tuesday, where they will meet up with a whole host of stars from other sports with BMW involvement.

BMW Power

30-09-13, 10:27

Farfus setting the pace in Zandvoort.
The BMW DTM teams experienced a promising start to the ninth race weekend of the year. Augusto Farfus set the fastest time in free practice.

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1:31.904 minutes – this was the time clocked by the BMW Team RBM driver at the wheel of his Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM over the course of the 90-minute session. Farfus was 0.184 seconds quicker than Audi’s Edoardo Mortara in second.
Like Farfus, Marco Wittmann, Martin Tomczyk and Bruno Spengler also made it into the top-ten for BMW, finishing fourth, fifth and seventh respectively. Andy Priaulx came 11th, while Dirk Werner claimed 15th. Timo Glock and Joey Hand followed in 16th and 17th. Farfus’ rival in the drivers’ standings, Mike Rockenfeller (Audi), recorded the sixth-fastest lap.
From 14:40 local time the drivers fight for good grid positions at the “Circuit Park Zandvoort”. The race will go green at 13:30 on Sunday.

BMW Power

30-09-13, 10:32

Wittmann claims maiden DTM pole.
None of his rivals were able to match his fastest lap of 1:30.894 in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM, which he set during the fourth qualifying session. Not even Augusto Farfus.

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However, the BMW Team RBM driver did qualify second in his Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM to complete an all-BMW front row. That put Farfus directly in front of Mike Rockenfeller (Audi), who he still has a mathematical chance of catching in the Drivers’ Championship with two races remaining. Wittmann claimed the fourth pole position of the season for BMW, while the front-row lock-out marks the third time that two BMWs have occupied the front row.
Joey Hand and Timo Glock also achieved excellent qualifying results. Hand narrowly missed out on the top-four shoot-out, clocking the fifth fastest time in Q3. Glock qualified eighth in the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM to claim the best qualifying result of his fledgling DTM career.
Bruno Spengler failed to make it into the top ten for the first time this DTM season. The reigning champion qualified 16th in the BMW Bank M3 DTM. However, a penalty awarded for his part in the collision with Robert Wickens (CA) in Oschersleben (DE) means the Canadian will start the race from 18th on the grid.
Spengler’s BMW Team Schnitzer team-mate Dirk Werner was 13th in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM, Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) starts from 15th, and Martin Tomczyk (BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM) had to settle for 19th. The race begins at 13:30 (CET) on Sunday. TV station ARD will broadcast live from the track from 13:15.

BMW Power

30-09-13, 10:32

Farfus claims back-to-back DTM victories.
Augusto Farfus won his second DTM race in a row at the wheel of the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM. The BMW Team RBM driver dominated the penultimate race of the year in Zandvoort to claim his third win of the season.

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Starting from second on the grid, the 30-year-old immediately pulled ahead of BMW Team MTEK driver Marco Wittmann, who was lining up on pole position for the first time in his fledgling DTM career, and was leading by the first corner. Despite another impressive display in Zandvoort, Farfus can no longer win the Drivers’ title at the final race of the season in Hockenheim. Mike Rockenfeller, on the other hand, was able to celebrate his title win. The Audi driver finished runner-up, meaning he can no longer be caught in the Drivers’ Championship.
This was a momentous victory for the BMW M3: the most successful touring car in the world has now carried a BMW driver to victory in the DTM on 50 occasions. It all started with Harald Grohs in Hockenheim on 29th March 1987. The German triumphed on the very first appearance of the new BMW M3, while eventual champion Eric van de Poele (BE) followed him over the line second to complete a one-two. After that, success came thick and fast – achieved by drivers like Steve Soper, Fabien Giroix, Johnny Cecotto, Joachim Winkelhock, Christian Danner and Roberto Ravaglia, who claimed the second Drivers’ title for the BMW M3 in 1989. Since BMW returned to the DTM in 2012, BMW drivers have added a further nine victories with the BMW M3 DTM.
Second best BMW driver was Wittmann, who crossed the line in fifth place at the wheel of the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM. Joey Hand also scored valuable points for BMW Team RBM, coming home seventh in the BMW M3 DTM. Despite an impressive comeback, Martin Tomczyk narrowly missed out on the points in the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM, finishing 11th. Dirk Werner from BMW Team Schnitzer was forced to retire in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM when hit by a rival car shortly before the end of the race. His team-mate Bruno Spengler (BMW Bank M3 DTM) came home 20th, behind Timo Glock (DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM, 18th) and Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM, 19th).
In the Drivers’ Championship, Farfus is now assured of second place with 116 points. BMW Team RBM (148 points) is now only three points behind the leaders Audi Sport Team Phoenix in the team competition. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, BMW now has 317 points and trails Audi by just eight points, meaning the Manufacturers’ title is still well within reach going into the season finale.

BMW Power

30-09-13, 10:33

Reactions to the ninth DTM race.
Augusto Farfus claimed his second DTM win in a row in Zandvoort. Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the team principals and the eight drivers had to say after the ninth race of the season.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“Augusto Farfus produced another sensational race. That was his third victory of the season, his fourth podium in a row, and the 50th win by a BMW M3 in the DTM: these figures speak for themselves. At the same time, however, we would like to congratulate Mike Rockenfeller and Audi. That was another very impressive race from ‘Rocky’ and he is a very worthy champion. He has been incredibly consistent throughout the entire season and deserves to be on top. We would obviously have liked to pick up one or two points more in the race. However, the way the race panned out towards the end did not play into our hands at all. Although the Drivers’ Championship is now out of reach, we still want to put on a great show for the fans at the season finale in Hockenheim, and to come out on top in both the Manufacturers’ and Team competitions.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“Augusto Farfus made a good start and was soon able to pull clear. After that, his tyres started to degrade, so we had to come up with a good strategy. That worked out really well again. Augusto’s pace in the second and third stints was awesome, and he fully deserved his win. We also tried to optimise the length of stint for Joey Hand. However, we then lost a place to Timo Scheider, who did a very good job of covering Mike Rockenfeller’s back. The safety car came at an unfortunate time for Joey, and allowed Mattias Ekström to pass him. We can be very happy with both cars in the points and our third win of the season. We could not do much more than win the race. Congratulations to Mike Rockenfeller on his title win. He performed strongly in 2013.”
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“This was a good weekend for the team, on which we were able to show we have the pace. Both Marco Wittmann, with his pole, and Timo Glock performed well in qualifying. The race was then disappointing for us. Congratulations to Augusto Farfus on his win – and, of course, to Mike Rockenfeller on winning the Drivers’ Championship.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“We worked hard all weekend – and that continued onto the track in today’s race. Martin Tomczyk worked his way through the field brilliantly. To then end up outside the points again after an incident is disappointing. Despite this, compliments to the team, who fought right down to the last lap. Congratulations to Augusto Farfus on his victory. I, personally, am also very pleased for Mike Rockenfeller and Ernst Moser. ‘Rocky’ and I are, to a certain degree, neighbours – he comes from Neuwied, while I’m from Andernach. He deserves it.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“We came to Zandvoort, determined to bring our bad run to an end. Unfortunately we did not succeed, as far as the results are concerned. We did not find ourselves in a particularly good position after qualifying, then our drivers got stuck in traffic. Dirk Werner was hit by another car and spun out spectacularly. Bruno Spengler’s car was also damaged following a collision, meaning he had to settle for 20th. That is disappointing. It is great for BMW that Augusto Farfus won the race. We would also like to extend our congratulations to Mike Rockenfeller, his Team Principal Ernst Moser, and the entire Phoenix team on winning the Drivers’ Championship.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 1st):
Tyres: Option-Standard-Standard
“The race was not as easy as it may have looked. I was able to pull away from Mike Rockenfeller in the first stint, then the tyres dropped off. He started to catch up and I was really in trouble. Then the car was better on primes and I could really pull clear. I did my job today and could not have done any better. Congratulations to Mike Rockenfeller on his fully-deserved title. He has had a brilliant season and I take my hat off to him. I have nothing to complain about as my second year in the DTM has been very strong. I have to thank my team for a superb season.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 5th):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“I guess that is what you call mixed feelings. Saturday was fantastic: I was the fastest man in the field and am obviously delighted with the pole position. In the race, the strategy of starting on primes did not pay off. I would have liked to have given Augusto Farfus more assistance in the battle for the title, but that was not possible in these circumstances. Despite this, we can build on our performance here in Zandvoort. Congratulations to my fellow BMW driver Augusto Farfus, and to ‘Rocky’ on the title.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, 7th):
Tyres: Option- Standard -Standard
“Firstly, congratulations to my team-mate Augusto Farfus on his win, and to Mike Rockenfeller. I think my race went to plan, although nobody really knew what to expect. It was a good show for the fans and I am happy there was some racing to entertain them. We had really good pace on option tyres early on. That is definitely the Joey Hand tyre. However, the leaders got away too early and built a big gap.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 11th):
Tyres: Standard-Standard-Option
“That was a tough battle today, but was great fun. I was able to make up another two places after the safety car period and moved into the points. There was then contact with Gary Paffett in the chicane, which meant I dropped back to 11th. However, the pace was good and I pulled off a few nice overtaking manoeuvres. I am pleased for Mike Rockenfeller, Ernst Moser and his team. ‘Rocky’ is a friend of mine and fully deserves it. Congratulations also to Augusto Farfus on his win.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 18th):
Tyres: Option-Standard- Standard
“Yesterday was a good day, but it was followed by a disappointing race today. All of a sudden, the pace was simply no longer there in the race. My start and the opening lap were really good, and I was able to overtake a few opponents. However, after a few laps the car suddenly became very difficult to drive, regardless of what tyres I was on. Congratulations to Augusto Farfus on his win, and congratulations to Mike Rockenfeller too. He fully deserves it. He has been very impressive in 2013 and did a very professional job of wrapping up the title.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 19th):
Tyres: Standard- Option-Standard-Standard
“The car was just nowhere for me. I was in the ball park early on, but within three laps of putting the options on I started to get vibrations. That got progressively worse and within ten laps I had to come in or else risk a major incident. I don't know what happened to the tyre, but they were wearing extremely quickly. Before the safety car I was able to make up some ground on my primes, but when the safety car came out we could not take the fight to anyone. It was a good call from the team to swap tyres again, but with only one lap left there was nothing I could do. Congratulations to Augusto Farfus on his win – and ‘Rocky’ on the title.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 20th):
Tyres: Standard-Standard-Option
“There are not only negative points from this race. In the end the result was bad but the strategy was really good and the right one for this track. I came from 18th and I was 13th before the safety car, but unfortunately I damaged my car trying to overtake Pascale Wehrlein. Now we have to go from here and push to produce the best race possible in Hockenheim and try to score maximum points for BMW. Congratulations to Mike Rockenfeller. I know how he must be feeling now. He has consistently produced good performances all year, and so thoroughly deserves the title. Augusto Farfus pushed him all the way with his win today.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 21st):
Tyres: Standard-Option-Standard
“I am disappointed because the car was quite good today. I think we were just a bit unlucky in a few situations. Particularly a few laps before the end, when I was pushed off the track. That was unnecessary, as we were fighting for 12th at the time. Then my race was over. I am happy Augusto won and congratulations to Audi and Mike on winning the Drivers’ Championship.”

BMW Power

30-09-13, 10:36

Circuit-Park-Zandvoort:

Free Practice (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130929/Circuit-Park-Zandvoort/Results/Free-Practice.html)

Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130929/Circuit-Park-Zandvoort/Results/Qualifying.html)

Race (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20130929/Circuit-Park-Zandvoort/Results/Race.html)

Standings (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

BMW Power

14-10-13, 15:36

Grand finale.
The 2013 DTM season reaches its conclusion with the tenth race of the year in Hockenheim on 20th October.

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BMW Motorsport travels to the 4.574-kilometre circuit with fond memories: a BMW M3 DTM was first across the finish line at both the final race of 2012 and the season-opener in 2013. Bruno Spengler triumphed exactly one year ago to sensationally win the Drivers’ Championship in BMW Motorsport’s comeback season. In May it was the turn of Farfus to win the first race of the 2013 season, coming home ahead of fellow BMW driver Dirk Werner in second place.
While the Drivers’ Championship is already a done deal this year, BMW is still in contention for the Manufacturers’ title and BMW Team RBM is well positioned to challenge in the team competition. After two wins in a row for Farfus in Oschersleben and Zandvoort, Bart Mampaey’s team is now just three points behind the leaders Audi Sport Team Phoenix and newly-crowned DTM champion Mike Rockenfeller. BMW is also just eight points behind Audi in the Manufacturers’ Championship. Marco Wittmann has already secured the title of “Rookie of the Year” ahead of the race in Hockenheim. The 23-year-old succeeds Farfus as the best newcomer in the popular touring car series.

EVANGELOS

14-10-13, 15:45

ρουφήξαμε φέτος !!! Rockenfeller εκανε περίπατο !!!

BMW Power

17-10-13, 08:45

DTM announces 2014 race calendar.
Who will be the DTM champion will once again be decided over ten races in 2014. However, two new venues will feature on the calendar, with the series returning to China and Hungary.

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With this weekend’s finale of the 2013 DTM season in Hockenheim fast approaching, the ITR has already set out what course the series will take in 2014. The new race calendar once again comprises ten races, of which six will take place in Germany.
While the German venues remain unchanged, China and Hungary will both return to the DTM calendar. China has already hosted the DTM in 2004 and 2010, while the series raced at the Hungaroring in 1988. Whether the Chinese race will be held in Shanghai or Guangdong will be announced at a later date. As usual, the 2014 season starts and ends at the Hockenheimring. The action kicks off on 4th May, with the finale scheduled for 19th October.
“We welcome the DTM’s clear commitment to its German roots, as well as the return of the series to China and Hungary,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The Chinese market is one of the fastest growing in the world, and is of great importance to BMW. The Formula One Grand Prix at the Hungaroring shows every year just how enthusiastic the Hungarians are about their motorsport. I think there will be a great atmosphere.”
The 2014 DTM calendar at a glance*:
4th May Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (DE)
18th May etropolis Motorsport Arena Oschersleben (DE)
1st June Hungaroring Budapest (HU) **
29th June Norisring (DE)
13th July Moscow Raceway (RU)
3rd August Red Bull Ring Spielberg (AT)
10th August Nürburgring (DE) ***
14th September Lausitzring (DE) **
28th September China (CN) – TBA
19th October Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg (DE)

* Subject to approval by FIA
** Subject to promoter agreements
*** Date to be confirmed

BMW Power

19-10-13, 19:56

Qualifying: Dream result for BMW.
BMW Motorsport produced its strongest qualifying of the year at the finale of the DTM season in Hockenheim. For the first time since the manufacturer returned to the series in 2012, four BMW M3 DTMs made it through to the top-four shoot-out.

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Pole position went to Bruno Spengler from BMW Team Schnitzer, who set the fastest time of 1:33.443 minutes in the BMW Bank M3 DTM – 0.303 seconds faster than his team-mate Dirk Werner in the SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM.
While Spengler celebrated the 16th pole position of his DTM career, Werner’s second place was the best grid position of his DTM career. Andy Priaulx at the wheel of the Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM and Timo Glock in the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM qualified third and fourth to complete the fantastic team result for BMW at the Hockenheimring.
Spengler’s pole marked the 39th for BMW and the 30th for the BMW M3 on its final appearance in the DTM. BMW Team Schnitzer has now started from the very front of the DTM grid on 13 occasions. Like Werner, Priaulx and Glock also claimed the best qualifying results of their careers to date in the popular touring car series.
With six drivers in the top ten, BMW Motorsport had already demonstrated by the start of Q3 that the BMW M3 DTM would be a force to reckon with at the tenth DTM race weekend of the year. The BMW drivers also achieved this feat in qualifying ahead of the race at Brands Hatch. Marco Wittmann qualified sixth in the Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM, while Augusto Farfus will start from tenth in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM.
Martin Tomczyk in the BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM narrowly missed out on the top ten, qualifying 11th. He was just 52 thousandths of a second off progressing to Q3. In contrast, Joey Hand had to settle for 22nd in the BMW M3 DTM.

BMW Power

20-10-13, 19:04

BMW defends Manufacturers’ title.
Timo Glock was the big winner of the rain-dominated thriller that played out in the final race of the DTM season in Hockenheim.

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Starting from fourth on the grid, the BMW Team MTEK driver produced a strong race in difficult conditions, crossing the line first after 41 laps in the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM. In doing so, former Formula One driver Glock presented BMW Team MTEK with its maiden victory in only the team’s tenth race in the DTM. Bruno Spengler finished third in the BMW Bank M3 DTM to join Glock on the podium. Andy Priaulx (Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM) and Dirk Werner (SAMSUNG BMW M3 DTM) came home sixth and eighth to score valuable points, which ultimately propelled BMW to the top of the Manufacturers’ Championship to successfully defend the title it won on its return to the DTM in 2012. BMW ended the season with 369 points, ahead of Audi with 347. Mercedes finished third on 266 points.
Augusto Farfus was the victim of misfortune: a collision saw the BMW Team RBM driver spin on lap one, dropping him well back down the field. Despite an impressive fightback, he had to settle for 11th in the Castrol EDGE BMW M3 DTM, and so narrowly missed out on a points finish. His team-mate Joey Hand crossed the finish line in 20th in his BMW M3 DTM. With both its drivers leaving Hockenheim empty-handed, BMW Team RBM ended the season second in the Team competition with 148 points. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M Performance Parts M3 DTM) and Marco Wittmann (Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM) finished 19th and 21st after a difficult race.
Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) had already been crowned 2013 DTM champion ahead of the final race. Farfus finished runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship with 116 points, while Spengler climbed into third (82 points) after his third place at the finale. With 49 points to his name, Wittmann ended the season as the best rookie in eighth. BMW Team Schnitzer comfortably won the competition for the fastest pit stops over the course of the season.
BMW Motorsport can look back on five race wins in its second season since returning to the DTM – more than any other manufacturer. Farfus stood on the top step of the podium on three occasions (Hockenheim I, Oschersleben, Zandvoort), while Spengler (Spielberg) and Glock (Hockenheim II) both triumphed once. The four pole positions were claimed by Spengler (Spielberg, Hockenheim II), Farfus (Nürburgring) and Wittmann (Zandvoort). BMW also set four fastest race laps, courtesy of Wittmann (Spielberg, Zandvoort), Farfus (Hockenheim I) and Hand (Oschersleben). Over the course of the season’s ten races, BMW was represented on the podium on 12 occasions.

BMW Power

20-10-13, 19:06

Hockenheimring-Baden-Wuerttemberg:

Qualifying (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20131020/Hockenheimring-Baden-Wuerttemberg/Results/Qualifying.html)

Starting grid (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20131020/Hockenheimring-Baden-Wuerttemberg/Results/Starting-grid.html)

Race (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/20131020/Hockenheimring-Baden-Wuerttemberg/Results/Race.html)

2013 Final Standings (http://www.dtm.com/en/Races/Standings.html)

BMW Power

21-10-13, 09:23

Reactions to the tenth DTM race in Hockenheim.
Read here what BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, the team principals and the eight drivers had to say after the final race of the season.

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Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“That was an incredibly exciting finale to the season, with a fantastic outcome for us. We witnessed a sensational race from Timo Glock and BMW Team MTEK – it was hard to beat in terms of excitement. Timo showed his strong nerves to claim his first win and second podium of the year in his tenth DTM race: all in all it has been a great debut year for Timo. Bruno Spengler and Andy Priaulx also drove great races, while Dirk Werner also finished in the points. Thanks to the good team performance, we also managed to win the Manufacturers’ Championship. That is a great conclusion to what has, at times, not been a particularly easy season for us. In the end we have five wins and four pole positions to our name, have also won the Manufacturers’ Championship, finished second in the Team competition, as well as picking up the unofficial ‘Rookie of the Year’ title and the award for the fastest pit crew with BMW Team Schnitzer – we can certainly be happy with that. Furthermore, we were able to bid farewell to the BMW M3 from the DTM with the car’s 51st victory in front of a great backdrop. Despite the poor weather, there were still a lot of spectators at the track. That was very nice to see. Congratulations again to ‘Rocky’, Audi and the Phoenix team on winning the Drivers’ Championship and Team competition.”
Ernest Knoors (Team Principal, BMW Team MTEK):
“This victory feels incredible. It is fantastic for us, as a fledgling team, to win the final race of the season in Hockenheim in our rookie year. Eleven months ago our team did not even exist. Over the past ten races we have worked together to achieve a position we can be proud of. We never doubted ourselves, even when there were difficult phases this year. It was clear to us it would not be easy to be successful in this closely fought series. However, we embraced the challenge. Timo Glock did a great job in 2013, gradually coming to terms with the DTM, and produced a performance today in difficult conditions without any sign of nerves. He is simply a superb driver. The same goes for Marco Wittmann, who has been magnificent in his first year with our new team. And we are obviously all delighted that BMW is once again the top manufacturer. We will now head into the break on a real high.”
Charly Lamm (Team Principal, BMW Team Schnitzer):
“Although we had obviously set our sights on more, having started from the front row of the grid, we can leave Hockenheim with a positive feeling. We were determined to get back among the front-runners at the end of the season – and we managed that. The rain made the race really challenging. Given the circumstances, we can be happy with the result. Bruno Spengler finished third in the Drivers’ Championship, and Dirk Werner was also in the points, which contributed towards BMW defending its Manufacturers’ title. Congratulations also to Timo Glock and BMW Team MTEK. I am particularly proud that Hankook recognised our crew for the fastest pit stops over the course of the year. Our team deserves a huge compliment.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal, BMW Team RMG):
“Congratulations to BMW on winning the Manufacturers’ Championship – and to Timo Glock and Ernest Knoors of BMW Team MTEK on their first win. All in all it has been a difficult year for us, and even today’s race was anything but easy. Andy Priaulx lost time and positions over the course of the race. Martin Tomczyk had several contacts, which did not exactly help us. Under normal circumstances we could have had both cars in the points. However, we gained a lot of positive experience, particularly in yesterday’s qualifying, which we will now take with us into the winter break. I would like to say a big thank you to my team. We never gave up.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal, BMW Team RBM):
“We can look back on a positive 2013 season. Three wins, a pole position and a number of podiums with Augusto, plus a lot of races with Joey Hand in the points: we can be happy with that. Despite this, it is obviously a shame we did not get our hands on any trophies. It is fantastic that BMW was able to defend the Manufacturers’ title. Congratulations also to Timo Glock on his win. We will now take a lot of positive impressions back to Belgium and will prepare intensely for the coming year to ensure we come back as strong as possible.”
Timo Glock (car number 22, BMW Team MTEK, 1st):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Wet
“What a day! My car was incredibly good all weekend. I would like to dedicate this win to my former colleagues Maria de Villota and Sean Edwards. I knew both of them well and really regret their tragic deaths. We have set the car up differently since Zandvoort. That lifted us to a completely new level. Thank you to my guys for the great job they have done – particularly during the pit stops. Thanks also to BMW for giving me this chance in the DTM as a former Formula One driver. I am pleased I was able to repay that faith today. Finally, I would like to apologise to Augusto. I was squeezed out while braking into the first hairpin and ended up on the slippery white line. That meant I was not able to brake hard enough and unfortunately hit his car. It was a very unfortunate situation. That sort of thing should not happen between drivers racing for the same manufacturer.”
Bruno Spengler (car number 1, BMW Team Schnitzer, 3rd):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Wet
“Congratulations to Timo Glock on his first win in the DTM. I was actually hoping for more from the race after yesterday’s pole position. Third is definitely a good result though – particularly in these difficult conditions. I was able to pull away from the field at the start of the race. However, as the track dried out I was unable to match the pace of the other front-runners. Although I failed to finish in the points at four of the races this season, I still ended up third in the Drivers’ Championship. BMW has won the Manufacturers’ Championship. We will celebrate tonight.”
Andy Priaulx (car number 16, BMW Team RMG, 6th):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Wet
“I am happy to have finished sixth. I had a good start, a solid race and BMW won the Manufacturers’ Championship, which is what we all aimed to do, and I am proud to have contributed big time to that today. The track was greasy and difficult. Obviously different sets of tyres produced different levels of grip.”
Dirk Werner (car number 2, BMW Team Schnitzer, 8th):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Wet
“That is definitely not the dream result I was hoping for after starting from second on the grid. I somehow struggled on my first set of wet tyres, and the other drivers were able to pass me too easily. My car was then very strong towards the end of the race and I was able to make up a few positions. Despite this, I am pleased I was able to contribute to BMW winning the Manufacturers’ title today. In doing so, we achieved the main goal we set ourselves coming into this race.”
Augusto Farfus (car number 7, BMW Team RBM, 11th):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Wet
“I think I could have had a very strong race without the contact in turn two. This cost me the race, it was as simple as that. I then had a damaged car, was far behind and had to make up positions. You end up having to do the race on the back foot. However, we have to look at the big picture and the big picture is very positive. It is great that BMW has won the Manufacturers’ Championship for the second year in a row.”
Martin Tomczyk (car number 15, BMW Team RMG, 19th):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Option-Wet
“The conditions were very difficult today. It was all going great for me at the start, and I was able to move up from 11th to fifth. However, the race did not go my way after that. Our strategy did not work out and I was involved in a number of battles for position. I found myself in the gravel twice, and consequently lost a lot of ground. We then put all our eggs in one basket and switched to slicks. Unfortunately that did not pay off. Despite it being a difficult season for me, I am obviously pleased with BMW’s success. Congratulations also to Timo Glock on his win.”
Joey Hand (car number 8, BMW Team RBM, 20th):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Option
“On the lap to the grid the car felt like it had very little grip. I knew what we needed to have a quick car, as we had been fast here in winter testing and at the first race, but from the start of the race it was the same car we had had all weekend. I just couldn't keep the car on the track. I did catch the pack in front of me and was able to pass a few cars, but then I got called into the pits to put slicks on. After that I lost about seven seconds a lap. It was a tough way to end the season for me.”
Marco Wittmann (car number 21, BMW Team MTEK, 21st):
Tyres: Wet-Wet-Option
“It is great for the team that we can head into the winter break on the back of a win. Congratulations to Timo Glock, and to BMW on winning the title. Personally, I am obviously disappointed with my final race. We switched to slicks too early, after things had actually looked really good for a while. I lost a few positions at the start, but was able to fight my way back. Despite this, I will take a lot of positives from my first season in the DTM. The title of ‘Rookie of the Year’ is great – and I am hungry for more.”

BMW Power

21-10-13, 09:24

The 2013 DTM season in the BMW Motorsport Review.

https://mediapool.bmwgroup.com/download/edown/pressclub/publicq?actEvent=scaleZoom&dokNo=P90137449&quality=80

20.10.2013
Hockenheim (DE) 20th October 2013. BMW Motorsport. BMW Drivers and Teams Season End Picture 2013.

Munich (DE), 20th October 2013. BMW Motorsport has completed a successful second DTM season since its return to the series last year. The BMW M3 DTM again emphatically demonstrated just how competitive it is in 2013, with five wins, four pole positions and four fastest laps. No other DTM manufacturer won more races than BMW this season.

After ten thrilling races, BMW defended the Manufacturers’ title it won last year. In total, the eight BMW drivers scored 369 points. In the team competition, BMW Team RBM came out second with 148 points. Augusto Farfus (BR) was the best-placed BMW representative in the Drivers’ Championship, finishing runner-up with 116 points. Marco Wittmann (DE) of BMW Team MTEK ended the season as the most successful DTM rookie.
In our DTM review, we take a look back at the highlights and fascinating stories from an eventful 2013 season from a BMW Motorsport viewpoint.
Successful title defence: BMW wins the 2013 Manufacturers’ Championship.
Like last year, BMW ended the 2013 season in Hockenheim (DE) as the most successful manufacturer in the DTM. BMW topped the overall standings with 369 points, 22 ahead of Audi and 103 clear of Mercedes-Benz. “It means an awful lot to us to defend our title in the Manufacturers’ Championship,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The DTM sees three ambitious premium manufacturers go head to head out on the track. After winning in 2012, it is fantastic to have come out on top again, thanks to a strong team performance across the board. This title is a nice reward for all the hard work that BMW Motorsport and our teams put in over the course of the year.” BMW enjoyed its most successful weekend of the season at the race in Spielberg (AT). Five BMW M3 DTMs finished in the top ten at the Red Bull Ring, amassing no less than 70 points towards the Manufacturers’ Championship – more than any other manufacturer scored on one single weekend in 2013.
Augusto Farfus: the hot shot from Curitiba.
No matter what series he has raced in, Augusto Farfus has always been one of the quickest drivers in the field within no time at all. The Brazilian won race after race for BMW in the FIA World Touring Car Championship, and proved his stamina in winning the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE). Farfus has also made his mark on the DTM since making his debut in 2012. Last year, he started only his second race at the Lausitzring (DE) from the front row of the grid, and claimed his maiden win in only his ninth outing in Valencia (ES). His reward for an outstanding first season was becoming the most successful rookie. And Farfus announced his intentions for 2013 with victory at the opening race of his second DTM season in Hockenheim. Over the course of the year, the Brazilian started from pole at the Nürburgring and went on to win three races – one more than new DTM champion Mike Rockenfeller (DE), with whom he was involved in a duel for the title until the penultimate race in Zandvoort (NL). Farfus left empty-handed from four DTM weekends, but still emerged as “Rocky’s” fiercest rival.
Farfus is originally from Curitiba (BR), in the Brazilian state of Paraná. Although his home city has its own racetrack, his path took him to Europe at an early age as he looked to prove his talent in single-seater and then touring car racing. In 2007, BMW Motorsport signed him as a works driver for the FIA WTCC, in which he won ten races for the Bavarian manufacturer. If not already clear beforehand, the 2013 season was emphatic proof that Farfus is also among the best drivers in the DTM – as he has been in any series he has raced in so far.
51 wins for eternity: the BMW M3 in the DTM.
When Augusto Farfus crossed the finish line in first place in Zandvoort, his fourth win in the DTM was not the only great achievement to be celebrated. It was also a landmark victory for the BMW M3: the most successful touring car in the world had carried a BMW driver to victory in the DTM for the 50th time. At the season finale in Hockenheim, Timo Glock (DE) added the 51st win for the BMW M3 in this series. It had all started with Harald Grohs (DE) in Hockenheim on 29th May 1987. With the new BMW M3 making its very first appearance, the German crossed the finish line in first place, followed by eventual champion Eric van de Poele (BE) to complete a momentous one-two. That opened the floodgates for a stream of race wins, achieved by such drivers as Steve Soper (GB), Fabien Giroix (FR), Johnny Cecotto (VE), Joachim Winkelhock (DE), Christian Danner (DE) and Roberto Ravaglia (IT), who claimed the second Drivers’ title for the BMW M3 in 1989. Since BMW returned to the DTM in 2012, BMW drivers have added a further ten triumphs with the BMW M3 DTM. Bruno Spengler (CA) sensationally won the third DTM title for the iconic touring car last year. 2014 heralds a new era: BMW Motorsport will line up with a new challenger, in the form of the BMW M4 DTM.
Quick from the word go: Marco Wittmann is “Rookie of the Year”.
2013 saw another BMW driver follow in the footsteps of Augusto Farfus in receiving the “Rookie of the Year” title, which the Brazilian had won last season: at the end of the ten DTM races, Marco Wittmann was confirmed as the best newcomer to the touring car series. The BMW Team MTEK driver was consistently quick in his first year in the series. And it took just three race weekends before he was able to enjoy his first champagne shower in the DTM: Wittmann finished runner-up to join winner Bruno Spengler (CA) and his team-mate Timo Glock (3rd, DE) on the podium for the first time when BMW claimed a historic one-two-three in Spielberg. Wittmann also celebrated his first pole position this year: in qualifying ahead of the penultimate race in Zandvoort, the young German set the fastest time of 1:30.894 minutes in his Ice-Watch BMW M3 DTM to secure pole position. The flying rookie made it through to the top-four shoot-out in qualifying on three occasions in 2013. He also clocked two fastest race laps in his debut season – in Spielberg and Zandvoort. Wittmann learned his trade in Formula BMW. In 2012, the talented youngster joined the squad of DTM drivers at BMW as test and development driver, and was rewarded with a regular seat in 2013. After finishing eighth overall this year, the 23-year-old is now hungry for the coming season. He is determined to use the experience gained at this year’s ten races to continue to improve in his second season in the DTM.
Nobody does it better: BMW Team Schnitzer wins “Best Pit Stop Award”.
Precision and speed – that is what a pit stop boils down to. Every second can make the difference between victory and defeat. Therefore, it is crucial everything runs perfectly to plan during the two mandatory pit stops that must be performed over the course of a DTM race. This season’s team to beat when it came to changing tyres was the crew at BMW Team Schnitzer. Team Principal Charly Lamm’s (DE) outfit performed the fastest tyre change at five of the ten races. At the Nürburgring and in Moscow (RU) the team from Freilassing (DE) even pulled off a double success: Bruno Spengler and Dirk Werner finished first and second in the list of the fastest pit stops. Now in its 50th year of existence, BMW Team Schnitzer was rewarded for this admirable effort with the “Best Pit Stop Award 2013”, which is presented each year by tyre manufacturer Hankook. “This award means a lot to BMW Team Schnitzer,” said Lamm. “The DTM is an extremely close affair – not just on the track, but also in the pit lane. If you are able to produce better pit stops than all the other teams over the course of the year, it is a nice reward for all the hard practice you put in. I would like to say a big thank you to the team, who have really performed impressively in 2013. And, of course, thank you to Hankook on behalf of the entire team. It is nice for the mechanics to have their work recognised with the Best Pit Stop Award.”
Only being borrowed: Bruno Spengler wants the number one back in 2014.
Last year, Bruno Spengler produced the shock of the season: in his very first year in BMW Motorsport colours, he was crowned DTM champion for the first time. However, the Canadian’s aim to defend his title in 2013 did not go entirely to plan. Collisions meant Spengler was unable to finish three races in a row in the BMW Bank M3 DTM, dashing any hopes of repeating last year’s success by the time he lined up at the penultimate race of the season in Zandvoort (NL). And yet the defending champion had made a blistering start to the season. The BMW Team Schnitzer driver followed up second place at Brands Hatch (GB) with his 14th DTM victory in the next race in Spielberg (AT). Spengler dominated the race in the Steiermark region of Austria to move to the top of the Drivers’ Championship on 53 points – a lead he was able to defend until the Norisring (DE). In the end, the outgoing champion finished third with 82 points. “That is motor racing. You cannot plan for everything,” said Spengler. “I would obviously have liked to successfully defend my title, but it was just not meant to be. Mike Rockenfeller produced a sensational and flawless season and fully deserves to be champion.”
Historic triumph: BMW one-two-three in Spielberg.
Three BMW drivers made history in the third race of the season at the Red Bull Ring (AT): pole-sitter Bruno Spengler crossed the finish line first after 47 laps of the circuit in Spielberg (AT). Marco Wittmann came home second, just 1.550 seconds later. He was followed by Timo Glock (DE, DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM), who completed the first BMW one-two-three since the manufacturer returned to the DTM in 2012. Wittmann and Glock, the two BMW Team MTEK rookies, made their first appearance on the podium in only their third race in the series. This was the third time in the history of the DTM that BMW drivers had completely shut out the podium. Wittmann also clocked the fastest race lap in a time of 1:25.505 minutes. Augusto Farfus and Dirk Werner also picked up valuable points in sixth and eighth respectively. With five BMWs in the top eight, the race in Spielberg was the Bavarian manufacturer’s most successful DTM race of the year.
Triumphant finale: Glock ends debut season with a win.
Timo Glock made 91 appearances and claimed three podium finishes in Formula One before returning to BMW Motorsport to line up in the DTM in 2013. Glock embraced the new challenge, learning from race to race, and was immediately successful. After a first visit to the podium in Spielberg, the 31-year-old made the big breakthrough at the season finale in Hockenheim: He guided the DEUTSCHE POST BMW M3 DTM to his first DTM victory in the rain at the 4.574-kilometre circuit. “My car was incredibly good all weekend,” said Glock. “Thank you to my guys for the great job – particularly during the pit stops. Thanks also to BMW for giving me this chance in the DTM as a former Formula One driver. I am pleased that I was able to repay that faith today.”
Statistics: BMW success in the DTM.

Titles:
Volker Strycek BMW 635 CSi 1984
Eric van de Poele BMW M3 1987
Roberto Ravaglia BMW M3 1989
Bruno Spengler BMW M3 DTM 2012
Wins: 59
Podiums: 209
Quintuples: 2
Quadruples: 2
Triples: 10
One-twos: 16
First win: 11th March 1984, Zolder (BE), Harald Grohs (BMW 635 CSi)
Latest win: 20th October 2013, Hockenheim (DE), Timo Glock (BMW M3 DTM)
Pole positions: 39
Fastest laps: 72