BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt has praised the performance of Bruno Spengler, Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock after the trio scored BMW’s first 1-2-3 finish in the DTM in more than 20 years.
Spengler led home Wittmann and Glock, who also took their first DTM podiums in their maiden season in the German series, to BMW’s first 1-2-3 in the series since Roberto Ravaglia won at the Hockenheimring in 1992.
For Marquardt, the success is especially important as it marks the manufacturer’s most succesful race since returning to the series at the beginning of 2012, despite having scooped all three titles last season.
“That is a historic triumph for BMW,” claimed Marquardt. “It is the first time since our DTM comeback 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.”
Marquardt also hailed the performances of BMW Team MTEK, who scored their first-ever podium in the series with both drivers securing podiums.
“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,” concluded Marquardt.
Canadian Spengler claimed his fifth win with BMW, meaning that he has now scored more than one third of his wins in the series with the marque, despite racing for less than two seasons with the team. Spengler also put his success down to the strategy of his Schnitzer team, with the reigning champion not pitting until lap 40.
“A one-two-three is simply sensational – that does not happen very often in motor racing,” said Spengler. “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.”
Spengler moves into the lead of the championship on 53 points, with nearest challenger Mike Rockenfeller on 41 points.