BMW are aiming to secure their third consecutive Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) manufacturers’ championship at the season finale at the Hockenheimring, having already scooped the drivers’ and teams’ titles.
Just over five months after it began, the DTM ends at the same venue at which it began. Going into the final race of the season BMW are 21 points ahead of rivals Audi. BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt says that if they could secure the title at the Hockenheimring this weekend it would be “the icing on the cake” for the marque in 2014.
“We still have one major goal to achieve: we want to defend our top spot in the Manufacturers’ Championship,” said Marquardt, who witnessed a title being secured for BMW at each of the previous two events. “That would be the icing on the cake in what has already been a successful debut season for the BMW M4 DTM. We will need a strong team performance to achieve this goal.
“Our record of four wins in the last four races in Hockenheim is good. However, I am also certain that the opposition will once again make life difficult for us in the final race. After all, everybody obviously wants to head into the winter break on the back of a good result. The race at the Hockenheimring certainly promises to be a cracker for the fans.”
One thing is certain heading into this weekend’s final race – that Maxime Martin has already secured the position of best rookie driver in the standings. The Belgian has scored four times and taken his maiden victory already, but despite the success the RMG driver is already looking to next season.
“I can be more than satisfied with my first season in the DTM,” said Martin. “Only a few drivers have ever managed to win a race and secure pole position in their first year. I am proud to end the season as the best-placed rookie.
“I will take the many positive experiences that I gained in 2014, and the negative ones, into the new season. My goal for next year is to be more consistent – that is key in the DTM. However, the season is not over yet as we still have the final race in Hockenheim. I want to score a good result to help ensure that BMW has cause for celebration after the finale.”
Just four points behind Martin the championship is experienced DTM racer Martin Tomczyk, who could still finish as the second-best BMW driver this year. The German scored his first podium of the season last time out at Zandvoort, and consequently heads to this weekend’s race in a confident mood.
“Hockenheim is always a sensational way to end the season,” said Tomczyk. “Holding the final race there has proven to be a winning formula for years in the DTM. This way, the fans and drivers alike can enjoy a genuine highlight at the end of the season. The circuit is absolutely awesome. It suits the BMW M4 DTM, as shown by the opening race of 2014 at the same venue.
“I am obviously pleased to have finally made it back onto the podium at the last race in Zandvoort after a long barren run. For this reason, I travel to Hockenheim with a good feeling. One title is still up for grabs and we want to get our hands on that too now.”