Photo: WTCC Media

BMW dominates WTCC premiere

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There was no stopping BMW today at the premiere of the 2007 World Touring Car Championship season. Jörg Müller of BMW Team Germany led a 1-2-3 finish for BMW. Müller took command from pole position and led the whole distance. Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus completed an all BMW podium.

After the rolling start Priaulx promoted himself above Farfus and the top three remained the same. The first corner proved catastrophic for Alfa Romeo as both drivers – Thompson and Tielemans – were caught up in a collision also claiming Larini, Menu and Rangoni as casualties. The only car involved that continued was Corthals’, which went on to win the independent category.

Jörg MÜLLER

“I had a bad start to the season last year but this is obviously a great one. It shows how much work we put in over the winter and the potential we have for the rest of the season. I tried to create gap from Andy [Priaulx] which worked in the first few laps but then the rear dropped off and Andy caught me. At the end of the straight here it gets very tight and being 8th I don’t want to get caught in any trouble in Race 2.”

Andy PRIAULX

“I was chasing Jörg because I always drive as fast as I can. As it turned out his car was better at the start but mine was stronger over the closing laps. Augusto [Farfus] was difficult to keep behind at the beginning – he is a quick kid. So far this has been a tough weekend but if I can still finish 2nd I will look forward to a good one!”

Augusto FARFUS

“My goal for my first race with BMW was to finish and score points. I have done both and also got on the podium so I am pleased. I was chasing Andy at the start as I was curious to see how his car would be for the duration of the race but in the end it was quicker. I learned a lot about how the car performs over a whole race and I am looking forward to doing it again.”

Pierre-Yves CORTHALS

“I was unlucky to be caught up with Larini’s car at the start and I ended up in the gravel. However, I overtook some people and then I was chasing O’Brien when he made a mistake. A great result for me and my new team in their first race in the WTCC.”

Race One Results