Guernseyman Andy Priaulx says that he ‘cannot wait’ for the Brands Hatch round of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in Great Britain next weekend – as he prepares for his first DTM race on ‘home’ soil.
Priaulx, a former three-time World Touring Car Champion with BMW, has previously raced on the ‘Grand Prix’ loop when competing in the WTCC. However the DTM rookie has not competed on the 1.929 kilometre Indy circuit since racing in the British Touring Car Championship in 2002. His best result so far in his first season in the DTM has been a sixth at the season-opener at Hockenheim, with the Brit finishing in 17th last time out at the Lausitzring.
“I can’t wait to drive Brands Hatch for the first time in my Crowne Plaza Hotels BMW M3 DTM,” said Priaulx, 38. “As we are racing on the Indy circuit it will be a really intense sort of lap. There are going to be a lot of laps in the race so there is not going to be much space between the cars. The circuit at Brands Hatch is obviously fantastic for the fans, as they get to see the cars a lot during the race. It will be fun.”
Priaulx is also cautious about the weather playing a crucial role around the tight, twisty circuit, with there having been exceptionally high rainfall in the United Kingdom in recent weeks.
“It is going to be interesting with the pit lane being so small and tight,” continued Priaulx. “As I know from experience, there is always a high chance of rain at Brands Hatch, so we will have to get our wet lines ready.”
Principal of BMW Team RBM, with whom Priaulx has raced since 2003, Bart Mampaey added that the team head to Brands Hatch with at least some experience of the circuit, having never raced on either of the circuits so far in 2012.
“Brands Hatch is the first circuit in this DTM season on which our team has already gained a lot of racing experience in the past,” added Belgian Mampaey. “Previously, however, we have always raced on the Grand Prix Circuit. Furthermore, the BMW M3 DTM obviously requires a completely different set-up. That will be a challenge, and is part of the learning process we are currently going through in the DTM. Brands Hatch is a demanding and hilly circuit. It will be a very special race for Andy Priaulx, as he will be racing in front of his home crowd.”
The third round of the 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters takes place at Brands Hatch Indy on the 20th May 2012 and tickets for the event can be purchased at brandshatch.co.uk.