DTM: BMW racks up the kilometers

By investing in the Portuguese circuit from February 7 to 9, BMW's objective was twofold: to refine the M3 with a view to upcoming approval, and to improve its performance. For the occasion, the Munich manufacturer sent its regular drivers, with the exception of Joey Hand, retained at Sebring to participate in ALMS tests on the Rahal-Letterman-Lanigan M3. His absence did not prevent his teammates from making the most of the time available. “ We have taken another step forward during these tests, confides Bruno Spengler, who will be assigned to Team Schnitzer. We tested several small things and learned a lot. This is exactly what we need at this stage of preparation for the season. » His teammate Dirk Werner took the opportunity to gain kilometers. “ Mission accomplished. I am even more satisfied as I feel a better feeling with the M3. When you're chasing the limit, every lap counts. It was my first try at Estoril and the circuit is fantastic. », he rejoiced.

The BMW Boys, however, had to deal with wind which complicated the task. “ Conditions were not stable, and there was a strong wind on the first day. At least it stayed dry, which allowed us to progress in the set-up », However recognizes Andy Priaulx, who will be placed at RBM. “ The wind was strong at certain times and this may have somewhat distorted the data collected, as it often changed direction during the day., specifies Martin Tomczyk, the reigning champion with Audi, who will wear the colors of the RMG team. Despite this, we carried out our program successfully. » Augusto Farfus, Andy Priaulx's team partner, as in the days of the WTCC, was especially delighted to find this track again. “ It?s good to be back in Estoril. The circuit is excellent and as a driver, every lap is a pleasure. The other manufacturers were also in action and it was interesting because there were always people on the track. »

As for Marco Wittmann, the development pilot, his mission was to compensate for the absence of Joey Hand and to acclimatize to this new environment, he who had been playing for the last two seasons in F3 Euro Series. “ My day was productive. It?s a great feeling to be part of the BMW family and gain experience in DTM. A lot of things were new to me, like the pit stop. However, I was able to increase my level of play throughout the day », concluded the German.