BMW announced at the Hockenheimring season finale of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) that Marco Wittmann will remain with the marque for the “2015 season and beyond”, with the new champion also securing a Formula One test for Scuderia Toro Rosso.
Wittmann became the youngest-ever DTM champion in the 2014 season, taking the title with two races to spare at the age of 24 years, 10 months and 20 days. Like Bernd Schneider in 2001, Wittmann also took the title with two rounds to spare.
As a result of his efforts – which included taking four wins, three pole positions and the drivers’ championship with a huge 50 point advantage – Wittmann has been confirmed with BMW for the 2015 season.
“Marco Wittmann has an extraordinary season behind him, in which he has given BMW Motorsport an awful lot of pleasure,” said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director. “It is now our turn to reward him for his efforts.”
In addition to the contract renewal, BMW have opted to reward Wittmann by securing him an official test with the Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula One team.
“The contract renewal for the coming season is a logical step for us, as he has consistently impressed us in the three years he has been working with us within the DTM – both on and off the track,” continued Marquardt. “For this reason, BMW M GmbH has come up with something very special. I am delighted that we can also make his childhood dream come true with the Formula One test.
“Thanks to the relationship we enjoy with our premium partner Red Bull, it was possible for us to organise a test drive in the Toro Rosso. We are excited to see how he fares in this car – and are then looking forward to more top-class performances from Marco in the BMW M4 DTM.”
Wittmann will also be honoured with a special BMW M4 Championship Edition road car, which will be produced at BMW’s Individual Manufactory in Garching.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Wittmann after the season finale. “The entire season has been incredible. After all, coming into the opening race of the season here in Hockenheim, I never believed I would be standing here in the same place as the DTM champion. And then to have my contract as a BMW works driver renewed and receive a Formula One test – that is a dream come true for me.
“I cannot find the words to express how proud and happy I am to be part of the BMW family. The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition in my colours is the icing on the cake at the end of this outstanding year. The car looks fantastic. I can hardly wait to take it out for a drive. And the test in the Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 car will definitely be an amazing experience.”