BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt has admitted that his BMW team did not expect to taste success so soon in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, having taken victory just two races into their comeback.
Canadian Bruno Spengler took victory in the second DTM race of the season at the Lausitzring, BMW’s first in 20 years, having taken pole position the day previous. Augusto Farfus finished third for BMW to make it a near-perfect race for the Munich-based manufacturer.
Commenting on the impressive start to the season BMW have had, Marquardt said: “The past few days were indeed very special. The season-opener in Hockenheim was fantastic, but what we experienced in the Lausitzring trumped even that. First came our maiden pole position with two BMWs next to each other on the front row of the grid, then that was followed by Sunday’s fantastic race and our first DTM victory for 20 years.
“After the endless intense and energy-sapping weeks and months we have been through, we pulled together to write another chapter in the BMW Motorsport history,” continued Marquardt. “Not only was it our first triumph of the new DTM era, but also the 50th success for BMW in this series. Everyone at the Lausitzring at the weekend could sense the huge importance of this victory. These moments will always remain special. You can often go an entire season without experiencing what we experienced and achieved within a week. It was a historic weekend for BMW Motorsport.”
“Bruno Spengler produced an absolutely flawless performance and did a magnificent job of withstanding the pressure applied by Gary Paffett. The same applies to Augusto Farfus, who also showed speed and nerves of steel. Whatever you say about the drivers, the same applies to our pit crews. Compared to the season-opener in Hockenheim, our teams improved with regards to operations – particularly the pit stops. Bruno and Augusto’s good grid positions were undoubtedly also important.”
Marquardt is, however, aware of the threat posed by Mercedes-Benz. The driver’s championship is currently being led by Brits Gary Paffett and Jamie Green, who both driver for Mercedes. Paffett was only one second behind Spengler at the chequered flag, such was the pace of the Mercedes driver.
“The Lausitzring once again showed us just how quick the opposition is in a race situation, particularly the Mercedes,” added Marquardt. “We still have room for improvement in that regard. However, Bruno took full advantage of his pole position and managed to stay in front.”
Despite tasting success to early in the season, BMW will be aiming to keep their feet on the ground for the remainder of the season as it has already been proven that the tides of favour can turn quickly in the DTM.
“We really did not assume that we would start our comeback season in the DTM so successfully,” admitted Marquardt. “The record after two races is more than positive. The good results are just rewards for the hard work that every single member of the team has put in over the recent weeks and months. We are also aware, however, that this is just one given instant, and that we must keep our feet on the ground.
“It is important for us to overcome the deficit in experience compared to our competitors. That remains the goal for the coming races. With all the elation regarding our victory, you must remember that we are the new boys in the DTM and still have a lot to learn. For us it is primarily about consistently performing at a high level, rather than individual highlights. That is what you need in the DTM. We will continue to work in a focussed manner to improve all areas. The win at the Lausitzring proves that we are on the right course.”