BMW Motorsport have once again reshuffled their driver line-up for the 2014 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season, with Martin Tomczyk moving to BMW Team Schnitzer in the process.
The only one of BMW’s teams to retain the same driver line-up as 2013 is BMW Team RBM, which keeps the services of Brazilian Augusto Farfus and American Joey Hand.
Elsewhere, BMW have opted to team-up its only two champions, with Tomczyk joining Bruno Spengler at BMW Team Schnitzer. Timo Glock remains at the young BMW Team MTEK, where the German is joined by DTM rookie António Félix Da Costa.
Finally BMW Team RMG gets an all-new line-up, as Marco Wittmann moves from Team MTEK and will be joined by newcomer Maxime Martin, who was previously BMW’s DTM test driver.
Jens Marquardt admitted that he believes the moves will help to strengthen his squad, which is looking to regain the drivers’ title it lost in 2013.
“In announcing exactly which drivers will be racing for which teams, we are taking another important step towards the start of the 2014 DTM season,” said the BMW Motorsport Director. “I am confident this line-up is the ideal solution for BMW Motorsport and our DTM project.”
Marquardt also made reference to BMW Team RMG as the worst-performing team in 2013, with its drivers Tomczyk and Andy Priaulx finishing the season in joint 19th position.
“BMW Team RMG undoubtedly failed to fulfil its potential last year,” admitted Marquardt. “We are sure that Stefan Reinhold’s team will come back from the break reinvigorated and ready to get back to successful ways with Marco Wittmann and Maxime Martin. After a really successful first year in the DTM, Marco is definitely ready to take the next step.”
Marquardt also pointed out where changes had not been made due to the successes of the 2013 season.
“Augusto Farfus, Joey Hand and BMW Team RBM worked perfectly together in 2013,” added Marquardt. “BMW Team MTEK and Timo Glock are extremely motivated for their second year in the DTM following the victory in Hockenheim – and they are very happy to welcome promising youngster António Félix da Costa on board.
“The combination of our two DTM champions, Bruno Spengler and Martin Tomczyk, with Charly Lamm’s team promises to be very successful. Like everyone else in the team, I cannot wait for the first race. We have an intense programme of preparations with the BMW M4 DTM to complete before then.”