BMW will have to fight in Porto

If the start of BMW's season was marked by ups and downs, it seems that the latest results have hinted at real possibilities. The first meetings thus gave pride of place to Seat then to Chevrolet who shared the successes. But since the rounds in Valencia and Brno, Mario Theissen's men have found their way to victory.

Thanks to its double success in the Czech Republic, the propeller brand has returned to within eight points of Seat in the Manufacturers' ranking. As for Augusto Farfus, third in the Drivers' championship, he scored no points in Brno but hopes to quickly catch up with Yvan Muller at the top of the standings. “ I can't wait to race in Porto He said. " Even though we already came to Porto in 2007, I consider the circuit new because of the changes that have been made to the layout. In Portugal, I'm a bit like home », continues the Brazilian. “ After my mistake in Brno, I will try to score points again. »

In Porto this weekend, however, the team could experience difficulties. Indeed, with 40 kg of ballast, the 320si will be the heaviest on the board with the new Lada Priora. At the same time, its main rivals, the Chevrolet Cruze and Seat Leon, will be lighter. The Cruze will have no ballast and will even be 10 kg lighter while the Spanish car will also be spared (no ballast). With a reduction of 10 kg compared to the base weight of his BMW with sequential gearbox, only Alessandro Zanardi could benefit from his car this weekend.

« In Porto it will be difficult for us “, however, concedes Zanardi. “ But after my victory in Brno, I am naturally very motivated to achieve another good result. »

« The Porto circuit is a classic road circuit », continues Andy Priaulx. “ It features long straights and odd chicanes where overtaking opportunities are difficult. » The first laps scheduled for Friday afternoon should tell us a little more about everyone's chances.