BMW continues intense test program

BMW continues an intense test program ahead of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters 2012 season with three more days at EuroSpeedway Lausitz. Three cars were on track in the hands of seven drivers.

Augusto Farfus, who together with Andy Priaulx is the sole confirmed DTM driver for BMW, described the test as fantastic.
“The test was fantastic. It is always nice to get the chance to drive the DTM car. As the season approaches, every test is becoming crucial. We were lucky with the weather, as we got more dry runs than expected. We are getting more and more understanding of the car and have a good pace. Now we have to keep the momentum and continue to work in that direction. However, I am already very impressed by the good job everybody is doing at BMW Motorsport and in the teams,” said Farfus.

BMW had three new drivers present at the test in the form of Jean-Karl Vernay, Richie Stanaway and René Rast.
“I really enjoyed the test. It was a superb experience. I felt very comfortable in the team and learned a lot. In general I am happy with my performance. I think I did what was expected of me. The car is good-natured and fun to drive. The dynamics and powerful brakes, in particular, are a bit different to the cars I have driven in the past, but I was able to adapt quickly and keep pushing myself to the limit,” said Rast.

The seven drivers together completed over 1100 laps during the test days with focus on tyre testing, rear-axle kinematics and system testing.
“I think we have made very good progress again. It has been a very productive test. We again tested some very important things for the future. Personally I am very, very pleased with the job BMW are doing. Everything they bring to the package is a positive. Obviously it is not possible to judge our performance compared to our opposition until the first race. But I am definitely very happy with the set-up so far,” said Priaulx.

Also present during the test was BMW Motorsport drivers Jörg Müller and Dirk Werner.