BMW’s Bruno Spengler has vowed that he will come back ‘strong as a lion’ in Oschersleben, after scoring his second nonpoints finish of the season, amid his worst run of form since 2005.
The Canadian has now dropped to 39 points behind championship leader Mike Rockenfeller, with only three races to go. Spengler’s worst run of result since 2005 – he also failed to score in the previous race in Moscow after contact from Miguel Molina – has seen the reigning champion drop out of title contention.
“My car was badly damaged after the very first lap,” said Spengler, who finished down in 14th position. “I could still hold onto my place among the leaders in the rain, but was struggling as soon as the track started to dry out. That was obviously a set-back for us, but one thing is guaranteed: we will not give in. I will be back strong as a lion in Oschersleben.”
Spengler suffered damage to the left-rear of his car inside the opening ten laps of the race, leaving him aerodynamically crippled as the race continued and the circuit became drier.
“We are obviously bitterly disappointed with the result,” added BMW Team Schnitzer’s Team Principal Charly Lamm. “Bruno Spengler’s car was badly damaged as early as lap one. He was complaining it was very difficult to drive, particularly in right-handers.
“At first he was able to mix it with the front-runners, but then dropped back when the track dried out. That is obviously a shame, as we really wanted to leave here with some points. We will now move on quickly from this weekend and push hard again in Oschersleben.”
BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt also lamented the damage caused to Spengler’s car, who has now been a victim of incidents in two consecutive races.
“It was a very frustrating race for Bruno, who was hit hard on several occasions,” said Marquardt. “His car was so badly damaged that he could not do much to defend himself towards the end of the race. Even great pit stops could not help him.”