Disease strikes Spengler and BMW in Monteblanco testing

Bruno Spengler and a majority of the BMW team members were hit with an acute gastro-intestinal disease during the Monteblanco DTM test. Spengler missed one of the test days due to the illness but was helped by the Mercedes team doctor.
“It was obviously unfortunate that some of our team members and drivers, me included, had to contend with health issues. I hope they get well soon, and would like to take this opportunity to thank Mercedes-Benz for its help. That shows once again how close the DTM family is,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

Spengler managed to complete two out of three test days, his first ever experience of the new BMW M3 DTM. Also new to the BMW was American driver Joey Hand.
“It was great to get a first taste of the DTM car. It has a lot of downforce and really good carbon brakes. You can really stand on the brakes and it is impossible to lock them. Also because of the downforce, the car is so hooked up in highspeed corners. This is something you need to get used to, but I managed to do so quite quickly. The test went very well and I enjoyed the Monteblanco circuit. It is a fun track. I had a great time with BMW Motorsport here,” said Hand.

Augusto Farfus and Dirk Werner also took part in the test days, with Farfus being pleased with the steps taken forward.
“It was a positive test. We had good weather and managed to take more big steps forward. We are exploring different areas of the car and we are continuing to learn it. This allows us to move forward and to learn different aspects. It helps us to prepare well for the next test. I am going home with a positive feeling. For sure, we still need to learn and improve the car. But I think that BMW is heading in the right direction. I am sure that we are going to show up at the first race next year and be spot on,” said Farfus.

Audi and Mercedes were also present during the test days and the trio is scheduled to test again in Spain from 6th to 6th December.