Klingmann and da Costa impressed with BMW test

Jens Klingmann and Antonio Felix da Costa were impressed with the performance of the BMW M3 following their first tests with a DTM car in Jerez.

In 2013, Klingmann contested the German ADAC GT Masters championship in a BMW Z4 GT3, whilst Red Bull backed da Costa ended this year’s Formula Renault 3.5 in third place.

Both drivers were given a BMW DTM test for their on-track efforts this year.

“I was obviously absolutely delighted to be given the chance to drive a DTM car,” said Klingmann after the test. “It required quite a  big adjustment from the BMW Z4 GT3 to the BMW M3 DTM at first.

“However, you progress with every lap, so you improve step by step.

“The biggest difference was the carbon brakes [because] I had never driven with anything like that before.

“Therefore, I had to guess the braking points a bit at first. That aspect improved all the time, until I was actually very happy by the end of the day.”

Klingmann added his first ever DTM outing was made easier due to his familiarity with the BMW team.

“I have often been present at DTM races for BMW and am sure that made the test easier, as I already knew everyone in the team.”

The test was also da Costa’s first time in a touring car, and the Portuguese was equally as enthusiastic.

He went on to describe his time with the M3 as “great fun.”

“That was a very good experience,” said da Costa. “The standard in the DTM is incredibly high, and BMW Motorsport is extremely professional [but] that much was clear from the word go.

“The car is great fun and much quicker than I expected!

“It generates an awful lot of downforce for a car with a roof, [so] that surprised me. We made progress with every stint, and I felt more and more at home.”

The BMW M4 will replace the 2012 and 2013 title winning M3 next season.

BMW will announce its 2014 DTM driver line up tomorrow, on December 7.