BMW boss Jens Marquardt hopes that the manufacturer can end the DTM season with another spectacular race like the season-opener at the circuit, which saw Timo Glock defeat Gary Paffett in a memorable race.
With the Munich marque being out of contention for any of the DTM titles this weekend, the target is to deliver close and exciting racing.
Earlier in the season Glock and Paffett had one of the best battles in recent times in the DTM, and with Glock having twice won at the Baden-Württemberg circuit expectations are high for ending the season with a strong result.
BMW have won six times at Hockenheim since returning to the DTM in 2012, and last year Marco Wittmann was able to score victory in the last race of the season as well.
“For the grand finale of the 2018 DTM, we return to Hockenheim where we witnessed a spectacular race weekend at the start of the season,” said Marquadt. “The duel between the victorious Timo Glock and Gary Paffett really was exceptional.
“That’s exactly how we want to take our leave from the DTM fans for the winter break: with breath-taking duels and high emotions.
“It goes without saying that a win like at the 2017 finale would be terrific added motivation for us through the break from racing.
“For the time being, the Hockenheimring will be the last time that we take on our rivals at Mercedes in the DTM. This farewell makes the coming weekend all the more special.”
Glock was cautious about predicting another chance of a win, however, with the German feeling that his opponents have improved throughout the season – resulting in the BMW Team RMR driver, who led the series after the sixth race, not having stood on the podium since June, after claiming four podiums in the first six races.
“My main hope for the season finale is that it will be a full house and a great show for the fans,” said Glock.
“We were very strong at the Hockenheim season opener, but I think that we need to be realistic. Our rivals have become much stronger since the races in May, so it will be difficult to repeat the fantastic results from back then.
“But it goes without saying that we will give it our best shot.”