BMW Motorsport News – Issue 10/12.
Whether in the DTM, the American Le Mans Series, or countless other championships: week after week BMW teams and drivers around the world do battle for points, victories and titles. Away from the track too, members of the large BMW Motorsport family around the world are also creating headlines. The “BMW Motorsport News” now allows us to regularly summarise all the action for you in a compact and informative manner. This way, you are always up to speed.
BMW M celebrates 40th anniversary at the Nürburgring.
When the most powerful letter in the world turns 40, it deserves to be celebrated in style. The anniversary of BMW M took centre stage at the DTM race at the Nürburgring (DE), which was won by Bruno Spengler (CA). From Tuesday to Thursday last week, the iconic circuit in the Eifel region of Germany once again provided the perfect stage for the climax of the celebrations.
The three-day press event was not only attended by DTM champion Spengler, but also his fellow BMW drivers Martin Tomczyk (DE), Dirk Werner (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Andy Priaulx (GB) and test and development driver Marco Wittmann (DE). They took on the journalists in various competitions, including the “Pit Stop Challenge”. In keeping with the venue of the iconic 24-hour race, the DTM stars and participants also took part in 24-minute kart races against each other, having previously determined the grid positions through qualifying. The BMW drivers also gave the journalists driving lessons in a Formula BMW FB02 racing car.
The emotional highlight of the event was undoubtedly Alessandro Zanardi’s (IT) outing in a golden BMW M3 DTM. The former BMW works driver became the first leg-amputee to take a DTM car out onto the track on Thursday. The previous night, former and current members of the BMW M family assembled for the “M Night” event. Among those present were Jochen Neerpasch, the first Managing Director of BMW Motorsport GmbH, which was founded in 1972 and was the predecessor of BMW M. He said: “Our goal was to make motorsport even more professional at BMW. Our first season was a complete success. That formed the basis for the path we took in the future with M. This year, BMW showed the way with its return to the DTM. With this kind of success, we do not need to worry about the future.”
Three questions for … Andy Priaulx.
Andy, what did you get up to at BMW M’s 40th anniversary celebrations at the Nürburgring?
Andy Priaulx: “Where better to celebrate the 40th birthday of BMW M than at the Nürburgring? BMW has enjoyed a remarkable 19 victories there at the 24-hour race alone, and I had the honour of standing on the top step of the podium there in 2005. It is a very special place and it was great to meet up with my DTM team-mates. It was particularly nice to see Alex Zanardi again, who I’ve known for a long time. Seeing him at the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM was fantastic. Obviously the rest of the programme was also sensational. I think the journalists enjoyed themselves – as did we.”
You drove a number of racing cars from throughout the long and illustrious history of BMW M and BMW Motorsport…
Priaulx: “That was really great fun. I drove the BMW M1 until darkness started to set in. That car is a real treat for any racing driver. I also drove a BMW powered 1977 Formula 2 car, a BMW 320i STW from 1995 and a BMW M3 from the 1987 season. I enjoyed every single lap.”
How will you spend the winter break?
Priaulx: “For me, the new DTM season began as soon as I crossed the finish line at the finale in Hockenheim. In 2013 I want to follow on from the good results I achieved in the last few races – and to come back even stronger. I know what to expect now, and will spend the winter concentrating on improving certain areas ahead of next season. I want to return to my winning ways as soon as possible.”
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BMW Team RMG celebrates action-packed end to the season.
Team Principal Stefan Reinhold invited his team members to a special three-day event in Munich (DE) to round off BMW Team RMG’s debut season in the DTM. On the first day, the team behind Martin Tomczyk and Joey Hand (US) enjoyed a tour of BMW Classic, BMW Welt and the BMW plant in Munich. The focus turned to action on day two: the BMW Driving Experience in Maisach (DE) allowed the crew members to show what they are capable of at the wheel of a BMW M3. The event ended on the third day with a visit to the BMW depot and BMW M GmbH workshops in Garching (DE). “The trip to BMW in Munich was a little thank you to my guys, who all did a super job in 2012,” said Reinhold. “It was interesting to be emerged so deep into the world of BMW and to meet employees who have nothing to do with motorsport. We were warmly received wherever we went. That showed us we are part of the BMW family, which is a really good feeling.”