BMW looking for comeback in France

After a though weekend in Marrakech, the BMW Motorsport drivers are ready to get back on top at Pau, France, this weekend. Jörg Müller is one of the BMW drivers and he has got a special relationship with the French street track.
“I’ve never had any luck at this track when racing here with the WTCC,” said Müller.

“When I appeared here in the Formula 3000 series, I was on the top step of the podium. I shall have this positive memory in the back of my mind, as I finally aim to pick my first points in Pau,” said Müller.


Three times FIA World Touring Car Championship champion Andy Priaulx won his only race of the 2008 season on the French track.

“I like the atmosphere in Pau. It’s a mini Monaco and a very good circuit for the spectators. Last year the two races there went fantastically well for us. It could be a bit more challenging this season. The car must cope well with the high kerbs and offer good traction. A strong grid position is paramount.”

Augusto Farfus Jr is another BMW driver with strong memories from Pau. The Brazilian famously rolled his car two years ago during qualifying, but stunningly won the second race the following day.

“Pau is a very special place for me. I suffered one of the worst crashes of my career there in 2007. Despite that I came back to win the second race. Last year I managed to finish up on the top of the podium. That just goes to show how at home I feel in Pau.”

Although he likes the track, BMW Team Italy-Spain’s Alex Zanardi has never had much to celebrate in Pau, as he is yet to score points on the French track.

“In 2007 I narrowly missed out on points in Pau by finishing ninth. To date this remains my most successful race on this street circuit. Following the difficult weekend in Morocco, I’m fired up to finally add another good result to my tally. I like the track, although overtaking manoeuvres are a true rarity there.”

Sergio Hernandez is hoping for better results than he had in Marrakech.

“The Pau circuit should suit us much better than the track in Morocco, which made it difficult for us with its long straights and tight chicanes. A glance at the past years’ results in France proves that we have always been competitive there. I will try hard to give my team reason to celebrate again.”

The BMW’s will all carry 40 kilos of ballast, just like in Marrakech, except Zanardi who has got -20 kilos.