BMW has completed its line-up for the Fuji ‘Dream Race’ with the addition of two-time DTM champion Marco Wittmann. The current BMW Team RMG driver will join the likes of Alex Zanardi and Kamui Kobayashi representing the German manufacturer on the joint SuperGT ‘away’ round.
Wittmann has stamped his mark on the DTM series by claiming two spectacular championships in 2014 and 2016. His first title came after beating two-time champion Mattias Ekström to the crown by claiming four wins out of the ten races that season.
The 2016 title fell his way in the final round of the season when he held on to a slender points lead to take the championship by four points form Edoardo Mortara.
This year was not as successful for the 29-year-old who, despite winning four races across the season, finished 2019 in third place and some 122 points down on eventual champion Audi Sport Team Rosberg’s René Rast.
Wittmann described his eagerness to race at Fuji, a circuit at which he has never competed, as well as enjoying the culture that surrounds Japanese motorsport.
“It’s great to be part of the ‘Dream Race’ in Fuji,” explained Wittmann, “Alex Zanardi, who is an idol of mine, Kamui Kobayashi and I make a strong team.
“I have been to Japan before, but have never been to Fuji. I really like the country. The people there are just so friendly, the fans are very enthusiastic and they love their motorsport.
I am looking forward to the race and the event as a whole, and to the SUPER GT in particular.”
The BMW driver holds a positive opinion over the joint competition between the two series, and believes it bodes well for the DTM’s future.
“We have already seen what a great welcome the three cars from Japan received at Hockenheim,” emphasised Wittmann, “That shows that the DTM is going in the right direction with regard to the future.
“Of course, it will primarily be a show event but when the lights go green, you just want to be successful. So my aim is to be competing right at the front. I am looking forward to it so much.”
BMW also revealed that the Team RBM outfit, that currently fielded Joel Eriksson and rookie Sheldon van der Linde in 2019, will be running the manufacturers entries in Fuji.
Team principal Bart Mampaey expressed great joy at the opportunity of representing the German marque in Japan.
“The name of the event says it all: it is a ‘dream race’ – and that is precisely what it is for my team,” says Mampaey.
“I would like to thank BMW for choosing us to appear with the BMW M4 DTM. One one hand, it’s about competing against the SUPER GT teams in their home race at the foot of Mount Fuji.
“It is a great event and a real logistical challenge. The whole team is looking forward to our appearance in Japan. I am a Japan fan myself, and we can’t wait to get started.”
The ‘SuperGT x DTM Dream Race’, as it is officially titled, will take place at the Fuji Speedway from 22nd to 24th of November.