BMW Motorsport head to Zandvoort this weekend for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) this weekend, at a track that suits the M4 DTM very well, thanks to the results that the Munich manufacturer enjoyed last year.
Current points leader Marco Wittmann and Team Schnitzer’s António Félix da Costa led the onslaught last year for Jens Marquardt’s outfit, who had seven and five of their cars finish in the points in that year’s respective races.
Marquardt considers the North Sea circuit as being “always a bit special,” as it does provide its fair share of challenges for the drivers and teams, which includes the beachfront being in very close proximity.
“The first half of the 2016 DTM season draws to a close in Zandvoort. Dutch fans can definitely expect two exciting races at this iconic circuit,” explained the BMW Motorsport Director, whose outfit leads the manufacturer’s standings by 34 points from Audi.
“We are battling for points and race wins where others go to enjoy their holidays. The atmosphere on the North Sea coast is unique. Therefore, we are very much looking forward to returning to the Netherlands.”
Wittmann is leading the hunt for this year’s drivers’ title by just two points from Audi’s Edoardo Mortara, but the Team RMG is bullish about what he is looking to achieve this weekend.
“Zandvoort has always suited me so far. Therefore, I hope we can put on another good show and be successful this time too,” said the 2014 champion.
“It is fantastic to compete as the championship leader again. It is now important for us to push hard and again score points in Zandvoort.”
Da Costa, who took his maiden pole position and race win for the second outing last year, is looking forward to a track that he considers to be a “genuine highlight.”
“I won there last year and am now putting a bit of pressure on myself to score another strong result. However, it is a nice pressure. I hope that my team-mates and I can be very strong again, and that we can go on the attack again.”
Team MTEK’s Augusto Farfus, who won here back in 2013, ahead of then eventually champion, Mike Rockenfeller, will be looking to better his tally this time around.
The Brazilian, who took two top five finishes, including a second place behind Da Costa in the second race, says that Zandvoort is “the coolest track of the year.”
“We have a magnificent past in Zandvoort. I have made it onto the podium there and have started from pole position. I always love being there.”