BMW Team RBM head into their adopted home event at Zandvoort with Augusto Farfus the only driver who can deny Mike Rockenfeller a maiden DTM drivers’ title.
“Although Zandvoort is not in Belgium, this event feels like something of a home race for us,” explains Bart Mampaey, Team Principal for BMW Team RBM. “The circuit is actually the same distance from Mechelen as both the Nürburgring and Brands Hatch, but here they speak the same language and I am expecting a lot of supporters, both family and friends, to be there. It is not the easiest of circuits and the weather can change very suddenly.”
Augusto Farfus took his second victory of the season at Oschersleben to close the gap to Rockenfeller to 33 points with two races left. In the process, the Brazilian became the second double winner of the season having taken the opening victory of the season at Hockenheim.
With the circuit being right next to the North Sea, the weather can change very quickly and with the wind bringing sand onto the circuit, the track can also change in a heartbeat.
“Last year the weather was very tricky on both Saturday and Sunday,” explains Farfus. “Hopefully it will be consistent this year. If so, we should be able to put in a good performance, as this track suits our car.
“The key question will be how long the tyres last. Of all the circuits in the DTM, this track is the most aggressive on tyres. You can only win if you have the perfect race strategy. I have nothing to lose and go into the weekend fully motivated.”
Team-mate Joey Hand is looking to build on a strong showing at Oschersleben, where despite failing to score a Championship point, he set the overall fastest lap of the race.
The American racer arrives 11th in the Championship standings, level on points with fellow BMW driver Dirk Werner and he is looking to build momentum before the season finale at Hockenheim in October, as well as helping BMW to retain the Manufacturers title.
“Zandvoort is possibly the most ‘American’ track on the DTM calendar,” Hand said. “The speeds are high and the cars get very close to the walls. It should be a good track for me, so I have high expectations. It would be a great morale booster for everyone in the team if we could have a good race just before the finale in Hockenheim.”