BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt believes that the manufacturer is in the “best position you could ever wish for” going into the 2013 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season as the marque prepares to defend its three titles.
The four BMW teams have spent the winter preparing for the numerous changes which will feature in the DTM this year, including the softer ‘option’ tyre and drag reduction system (DRS).
“You have to work hard, in order to ensure you are always competitive,” said Marquardt. “That is precisely what we did during the winter break. 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 eight drivers.”
Drivers in the BMW camp are confident that the manufacturer has done everything it could have over the winter to prepare for its second season back in the DTM. BMW Team RBM’s Augusto Farfus admitted that there is a special atmosphere contesting the first round at the Hockenheimring.
“Although the preparations for the new season have been very short, we are well prepared,” said Farfus. “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.”
Aside from the BMW regulars, joining the BMW DTM family in 2013 is former Formula 1 driver Timo Glock. The German is optimistic heading into his first-ever touring car race and expects that it will be a race to remember.
“Everyone at BMW Team MTEK and BMW Motorsport has worked unbelievably hard over the winter,” said Glock. “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.”
As well as the addition of a new team, BMW Team MTEK, with DTM rookies Timo Glock and Marco Wittmann, there has been one switch of driver and team combinations within BMW during the winter. Brit Andy Priaulx moves from Team RBM to Team RMG, switching positions with American Joey Hand.
The first and only DTM practice session takes place at 09:05 CEST on Satruday 4th May (08:05 GMT).