Photo: DTM Media

Spengler cautiously optimistic after Nürburgring win

By

Bruno Spengler has moved up to second in the championship and shadows championship leader Gary Paffett with just 20 points. But the Canadian is cautious with his hopes to launch a serious attack on the title race in his first season with BMW.
“I am obviously pleased I am only 20 points behind Gary Paffett. However, we would be well advised to approach the remaining four races in exactly the same way as we have the first six,” said Spengler.

Spengler claimed BMW’s first DTM comeback victory earlier this year at Lausitzring and to score the second victory as well was emotional for the former Mercedes driver.
“When I won at the Lausitzring, I found it difficult to take in what had happened. It was the 50th victory for BMW and the first of its comeback season. We made history there. The race at the Nürburgring was all about the 40th birthday of BMW M. In addition, the Green Hell is something of a home track for BMW, so this was another very special success. I am overjoyed and really proud,” said Spengler.

Spengler races for the legendary BMW Team Schnitzer and the equally legendary team manager Charly Lamm who is thrilled with the success.
“I have to say the victory at the Nürburgring felt completely different to the triumph at the Lausitzring. Back then, everything seemed to happen ridiculously quickly and we were still DTM newcomers really. Now we are far more aware of what awaits us in this series. As such, the second win was special because we did not really find our form at the start of the weekend and had to gradually find the optimal set-up. Then everything came together in the race – and Bruno produced an immense performance,” said Lamm.

Four races remain of the DTM 2012 and while Spengler and BMW have been successful so far despite heading to venues with little or no experience, the Canadian is cautious in his expectations.
“So far we have managed to find our feet quickly on new circuits. If we pull that off again in Zandvoort and Oschersleben, where the only experience we have is from testing during the early stages of the development of our car, we should be up there with the leaders again. We are taking it one race at a time, then we will see where we end up come the end of the season,” said Spengler.