BMW Motorsport’s drivers were in Viareggio in Italy last week for a week of intensive physical fitness training ahead of the 2013 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters season.
Just as they had done ahead of the 2012 season, BMW’s nine DTM drivers headed to Italy for a week of fitness training under the guidance of Riccardo Ceccarelli. Race drivers Augusto Farfus, Timo Glock, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx, Bruno Spengler, Martin Tomczyk, Dirk Werner and Marco Wittmann were also joined by test and development driver Maxime Martin.
The exercises focussed on improving the driver’s mental strength and nutritional advice, as well as improving their physical strength. BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt also took part in some of the activities with his drivers.
“Like last year, the atmosphere within our squad of drivers is absolutely excellent,” said Marquardt. “Unfortunately the weather did not always play ball, but you could see the special team spirit in the gym and during the many indoor activities, such as tennis, volleyball and basketball. The medical examinations, sporting competition and, last but not least, the fun we all have stand us in excellent stead for the tasks ahead. Many individual components are important in order to be successful in the DTM, and team spirit is definitely one of them.”
New to the DTM camp is Timo Glock, who is reaffirming his affiliation with BMW, having competed in Formula BMW in his junior racing days. Glock enjoyed the opportunity to get to know his new brand stable-mates. “It was nice to have all the drivers in one place and to spend time together,” said the former Formula 1 driver. “Every one of us received very precise feedback on exactly what areas we can improve. We trained hard, but also had a whole lot of fun and laughed a lot. In recent years I have only had one team-mate, now I have a few more. Each one is special in his own way, but we are all very focussed. We are ready to pull together and, hopefully, put together a successful season.”
Martin is also new to both BMW and the DTM and immediately felt welcome in the BMW camp. “I was actually a little surprised just how good the atmosphere is among the DTM drivers,” said Martin. “Everyone is on great terms with the others, and it is great fun to be a part of it. You take a lot out of a week like this. I learned a lot about racing-related fitness training. On Thursday I played a tennis doubles match with the DTM champion, long-time Formula One star Timo Glock and Jens Marquardt. At that point it became very clear to me just what it means to be a part of the BMW Motorsport works team.”
The 2013 DTM season kicks off at the Hockenheimring on the 4th May 2013.