BMW Motorsport have admitted that the anticipated results for the first race at the Hungaroring did not become apparent, due to several contributing factors that led to the outfit scoring no points at all for the first time this year.
A mixture of weather conditions, including heavy rain in the initial hours of the day, coupled with hotter spells later on, did not work with the strategies that all three teams representing the marque were using to maximise their chances.
“That was obviously not the result we were looking for. Even as early as qualifying, we had trouble finding the right balance for our cars in today’s conditions,” admitted Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt,
Marquardt said that there were “aggressive strategy” attempts to make the six drivers more competitive, after a disappointing qualifying session that saw Augusto Farfus place the highest in eighth.
“We simply failed to get the tyres working as we needed to. We will have to take a close look at that ahead of tomorrow’s race. In principle, we had the pace to challenge at the front of the field. We showed that in the free practice sessions.”
Team RMG boss Stefan Reinhold also explained that due to the nature of the Hungaroring, it also made it clear that the 4.381-km circuit is not one that is renowned for being able to overtake, which Mercedes were apparently able to carry out.
“The race showed clearly just how evenly matched the DTM field is. Our job now is to analyse what went wrong in qualifying and how we can get the tyres working better. None of our strategies helped is climb through the field.”
Having lost the lead in the drivers’ standings after the first five races, Team RMR’s Timo Glock felt that his Deutsche Post M4 DTM was more than capable, but felt that there was something clearly lacking.
“Unfortunately, we did not have the top speed we needed. We must now take a close look and determine why that was – and then do better tomorrow,” admitted the 36-year-old, who is now seven points behind new leader Gary Paffett.
With the other five drivers looking to come back fighting against the competition, the teams will be looking to mount as best a challenge as they can, with a no-score not aiding their chances towards titles this season.