Photo: BMW Press Club

Bruno Spengler is happy with new life at BMW Team MTEK

Bruno Spengler had a weekend of mixed feelings at Hockenheim, host of the DTM’s season opener. The BMW Team MTEK driver opened his account today, scoring two points after finishing in ninth place.

The Canadian had a positive outlook on the first round of the DTM, despite several struggles. Talking to Touring Car Times, the 2012 champion had a favourable evaluation of the weekend at Hockenheim: “The weekend didn’t start well for us, as we had difficulties to find the pace yesterday. But that changed today, the car felt good and we had a strong race. We were able to stay with the leading group in the initial stages, but we couldn’t keep up. Still, we scored some good points and had a good fight. The team also did a good strategy, calling me to change tyres at exactly the right time, so I’m happy with the result.”

Spengler thinks that changes in the weekend format are a step forward for everybody: “The new racing weekend format is very good for the spectators because they have more show, but also for us the drivers, because we get more time on the track and we enjoy more, so I think it’s a good decision for everybody.”

Much has been speculated about BMW not being able to get the best of the prime tyres, which have become the only compound available from this season. Bruno Spengler dismisses the idea: “The tyres are not a problem, because we all have the same. I think Mercedes has made a big step forward because they were allowed to develop the car last year mid-season. Audi has also made steps forward. We need to go back to the results and see where we can improve, especially, we need to get a better pace in qualifying.”

Spengler also thinks the double races with full points will be good for the championship fight: “Most definitely, with two separate races it means you can turn around a bad weekend quickly, there are more races, so more chances of scoring points and making up the difference, so it’s a really good decision.”

The Canadian moved from BMW Team Schnitzer to Team MTEK this year, and thinks it was the right choice: “It’s a good team and I’m very comfortable. It has given me a new perspective and a fresh start for the season. We are still getting to know each other, but they are good and hard working guys and I’m really happy.”

Bruno Spengler leaves Hockenheim in 14th place in the Drivers’ table.