Mario Theissen: “BMW are ready!”

The FIA World Touring Car Championship 2009 is only a few shivering days away. BMW are back this year to retain their lost title of 2008 from SEAT.
“Naturally I am hopeful we will top the points’ charts in both championships at the end of the season,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.

“However, in motorsport such things cannot be planned. We can only work on our own performance, which we concentrated on throughout the winter. Once again it should be a close fight between us and SEAT, with Chevrolet being another worthy competitor. We are well prepared.”

BMW-man Andy Priaulx clinched the WTCC title no less than three times in a row 2005, 2006 and 2007. The Brit likes the Brazilian track Curitiba where the premiere takes place and hopes it will be a start of a good season.

“Every year I look forward to being in Curitiba. The city has many different sides to it, and could easily be in Europe. The circuit is interesting and challenging, and BMW has traditionally achieved good results there. Everybody hopes for a strong start to a new season, so I will endeavour to have a good opening weekend,” said Priaulx.

Jörg Müller has won in Brazil before and hopes to repeat that this weekend.

“Curitiba sees the end of the off-season. The two races are extremely important and the first real opportunity to compare performances. All the teams have tested thoroughly over the winter, and now it will become clear who has made the most progress. I have won in Brazil, so the circuit evidently suits me,” said Müller.

Despite the high hopes from Priaulx and Müller, the real favorite for the Brazilian round is home boy Augusto Farfus Jr.

“Curitiba is my home town, so naturally I love returning here. As hometown hero there are, though, particular pressures. Overall the feeling is positive, for there are thousands of fans all cheering me on together. I hope to start the 2009 season with the right momentum,” said Farfus.

Alessandro Zanardi is heading to Brazil to complete his first ever race with a sequential gearbox in his BMW.

“I like the Curitiba circuit. However, I would prefer it to be twice the length. Despite the lap being short, it’s just all about being faster than the opposition – which is precisely what I intend being. Everybody looks forward to this event to see where they stand. We are well prepared, so hopefully I’ll return to Europe a happy man,” said Zanardi.

Sergio Hernández makes his debut at Brazil as BMW works driver. Last year at Brazil the Spaniard took two sixth places in the independents trophy.

“I like the circuit and people of Curitiba. Mentally the Brazilian people are similar to the Spanish. The atmosphere at this event is unique. Over the past two years I have amassed a lot of experience, which I hope to put to good use in my debut for BMW Team Italy-Spain by fighting for points and race wins,” said Hernandez.