BMW Motorsport News – Issue 9/15.
40th anniversary: memories of the historic victory of the BMW 3.0 CSL at the “12 Hours of Sebring.
For BMW Motorsport, this Saturday’s (21st March) 12 Hours of Sebring (US) marks a very special anniversary: 40 years ago, this endurance classic was the scene of BMW’s first major victory in North America. Just days after BMW of North America was founded, Brian Redman (GB), Allan Moffat (CA), Sam Posey (US) and Hans-Joachim Stuck (DE) won the “12 Hours of Sebring” in a BMW 3.0 CSL. In homage to this anniversary, the two BMW Z4 GTLMs fielded by BMW Team RLL will race in the historic colours of the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL this coming weekend. Many big-name guests attended the celebratory launch on Amelia island in the north of Florida, including Brian Redman, one of the victorious quartet of drivers from 1975.
Three questions for … Brian Redman.
Brian, how do you like the design of the BMW Z4 GTLM race car?
Brian Redman: “It looks absolutely superb in the BMW Motorsport colours from 1975! Seeing the two cars next to each other, you can see the 40 years of difference in the aerodynamics. For sure, the BMW Z4 GTLM is so different to the BMW 3.0 CSL, but the CSL actually had some aerodynamic parts, like the spoiler on the roof and a rear wing. So you can see very much the similarity of the two cars in this respect, but I am sure to drive them is completely different.”
What did you like most about the BMW 3.0 CSL?
Redman: “I really loved the engine note. The sound is fantastic. It was an impressive and tremendous screaming sound. It was something special to hear the car coming round the banking at Daytona. The car handled very well and it had a bit of stiffness in the chassis, so in certain corners you could aim right up the kerb and it gained an extra two feet of road because the inside front wheel came off the ground and you went three-wheeling round.”
What is your favourite memory from Sebring in1975?
Redman: “My favourite memory from Sebring in 1975 is the same as from every race I have ever done – and that is a feeling of great relief when I pass the chequered flag.”
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DTM: more details of the new race format.
The
first tests of the season have been completed, and the crucial phase
of preparations for the 2015 DTM season is underway for BMW Motorsport
and the BMW DTM teams. More details of the new race format were
announced this week. This season, each event will consist of two
races. One race will be held on the Saturday, the other on the Sunday.
Full points will be on offer in both races. A 20-minute qualifying
session will take place before each race, during which the grid
positions for the subsequent race will be determined. Nonetheless,
there are differences between the Saturday and the Sunday races: the
duration and the number of pit stops. On Saturday, the race will be
over after 40 minutes plus a full lap, with tyre changes not being
obligatory. Meanwhile, the race duration on Sunday amounts to 60
minutes plus a full lap and a stop for a tyre change is mandatory for
every driver. The 2015 DTM season kicks off with the opening round in
Hockenheim (DE) on 2nd/3rd May. This year’s calendar consists of nine
events and a total of 18 races.
Blancpain Endurance Series: six BMW Z4 GT3s at the official test at Paul Ricard.
The teams and drivers in the Blancpain Endurance Series were in action at the official test at the “Circuit Paul Ricard” in Le Castellet (FR) last week. The two-day test in the south of France saw six BMW teams take to the track with their BMW Z4 GT3s. TDS Racing clocked the fastest time in a strong field consisting of over 45 cars with their number 12 car. Triple Eight Racing from Great Britain was fourth fastest on day two. The Boutsen Ginion, Ecurie Ecosse & Team Russia, CMR and DKR Engineering teams also used the official test to prepare meticulously for the coming season in the Blancpain Endurance Series. The race action begins on 12th April in Monza (IT), with the highlight of the season the 24-hour race at Spa-Francorchamps (BE) on 25th/26th July.
24h Series: class wins in Mugello for Bonk Motorsport and
Duller Motorsport.
The 24h Series entered its second
round of the 2015 season with the “12 Hours Italy” in Mugello (IT) at
the weekend. Seventy two cars competed at the 12-hour race in Tuscany,
including 11 BMW racing cars. The second round of the year took place
in two parts: the first four hours were completed on Friday afternoon,
before the competitors returned on Saturday for the final eight hours.
This season has seen the introduction of a specific BMW M235i Racing
Cup class in the 24h Series. Five cars, fielded by three different BMW
teams, started in this category alone in Mugello. Victory went to Bonk
Motorsport and its quartet of Liesette Braams (NL), Michael Schrey,
Michael Bonk and Emin Akata (all DE). Herwig Duller, Markus Weege and
Michael Fischer (all AT) of the Duller Motorsport team won the A5
class in their BMW M3.
FIA Formula E Championship: the BMW i8 Safety Car on the streets of Miami.
The BMW i8 Safety Car continued its world tour with a stop in the US state of Florida: on Saturday, the streets of Miami (US) hosted the fifth race of the season in the FIA Formula E Championship. BMW is involved as “Official Vehicle Partner” of the innovative racing series for electric, single-seater cars. BMW DTM driver António Félix da Costa (PT), winner of round four in Buenos Aires (AR), produced an impressive fightback at the “Miami ePrix”. Coming from 16th on the grid, the Portuguese driver made up ten positions in the race, thanks in part to the right tactics: he eventually crossed the finish line in sixth place after 39 laps. Victory went to Nicolas Prost (FR). The next round of the FIA Formula E Championship takes place in Long Beach (US) on 4th April.