Photo: Schubert Motors

Diesel for Farfus, Müller, Ekblom at Nürburgring

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WTCC BMW-works drivers Augusto Farfus Jr and Jörg Müller will drive a diesel-powered BMW 320d in the Nürburgring 24 hours. The both will be joined by Scandinavians Fredrik Ekblom and Stian Sorlie. BMW-regulars Schubert Motors are running the car.
“The 24-hours race is ranked to be the thoughest race for man and machine. For racing drivers it is a great experience and challenge every time,” said team manager Torsten Schubert.

The official reason for BMW of entering these drivers with the diesel-BMW is for them to get experience of the Nürburgring.

But according to information to TouringCarTimes.com this is in preparation for two different things:

1 – Getting experience/preparation for the WTCC-drivers to drive the all new BMW M3 GTR in the Nürburgring 24-hours 2009.
2 – Getting experience of the diesel powered BMW 320d for an eventual introduction in the WTCC.

The BMW 320d to be used in the 24-hour race this year is using the very same engine that BMW has been using in the BMW 120d for endurance racing. That model has been very successful in the Nürburgring 24-hours with a fifth place in 2006, beating a vast number of cars in higher classes.

The team Schubert Motors is running a number cars in the Nürburgring 24 hours 2008. Their main car is a BMW Z4, driven by Richard Göransson, Claudia Hürtgen, Jörg Viebahn and Sorlie. The Norwegian will have a hectic time during the race, driving both the 320d and the Z4.

Stay tuned for an article tomorrow on BMW’s diesel-plans for WTCC!