It has been the toughest season to date in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) for BMW Motorsport since their return to the series in 2012, but Jens Marquardt’s squad is looking forward to racing back in Germany.
So far this season, the Munich manufacturer have only scored two out of a possible 12 races, with defending champion Marco Wittmann and Team Schnitzer’s António Félix da Costa taking the top step at Circuit Park Zandvoort.
Wittmann, who took pole position at the Magdeburger Börde-based track last year, suffered a mechanical issue during the race, but is hopeful of a better showing this weekend.
“I won a few races in Oschersleben during my time in single-seater racing. Therefore, I always enjoy returning to the circuit. Last year’s DTM weekend here started really well for me,” said the Team RMG driver, who is seventh in the drivers’ standings on 75 points.
“I secured pole position and was enjoying a good race. However, I then made a slight mistake and was then stopped by a mechanical problem. I hope we can complete the races this time and, if possible, get on that top step of the podium.”
Team MTEK’s Bruno Spengler is currently the leading BMW driver, just 10 points ahead of Wittmann, following two successive podium finishes at the last round at Moscow Raceway.
“Oschersleben is a very demanding circuit,” said the Franco-Canadian, who has an admiration for the regional fans that attend the circuit year in year out, along with the atmosphere that has surrounded the venue since it started hosting the DTM back in 2000.
“That also goes for the fitness of the drivers, as there are a lot of corners, a lot of bumps, and few sections in which you can catch a breather. It is particularly important for the car to have very good traction there.”
Bert Mampaey’s Team RBM squad has been impressive around the 3.696-km circuit since 2012, as Augusto Farfus took the win there back in 2013, along with former alumni Joey Hand setting the fastest lap of the track that same year.
“We obviously have our sights set on continuing this fine record. However, the DTM is unpredictable this season. We will only know exactly how good we are after qualifying on Saturday,” said Mampaey.
Farfus himself, who finished as runner up in race two at Zandvoort, during BMW’s historic success, will be hoping to get further up the standings.
“I won in Oschersleben in 2013, and have always finished in the points there. For this reason, I have very fond memories of the track and am very motivated coming into the weekend.
“The circuit demands a lot of downforce, which usually suits us. Although we have had a tough season so far, I think it could be a good weekend. My goal is to pick up some points.”
“We are now looking forward to the final third of the season in front of our home fans,” explained Motorsport Director Marquardt, who admits that BMW’s record at Oschersleben is not one to be “sniffed at.”
“We will certainly do our best to make life as difficult as possible for the opposition there again. The fans in the Magdeburger Börde can definitely look forward to an action-packed weekend, as the DTM is producing more exciting races and dramatic scenes than ever in 2015. I am sure that will be the case in Oschersleben too.”