Photo: DTM Media

BMW looking for strong results at Lausitzring

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BMW had a promising start to the first DTM weekend of the year with four cars in the top ten of qualifying at Hockenheim. The race did not turn out as well though with Andy Priaulx as best BMW driver in sixth and the German manufacturer is hoping to bounce back at Lausitzring.
“The overall package is working well and the performance is promising. At the same time, Hockenheim showed that we still need to improve some areas. That is normal for a newcomer. We are looking forward to the second race of the season,” said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director.

Reigning champion and BMW driver Martin Tomczyk won the race at Lausitzring last year but is cautious ahead of this race.
“Last year I won at the Lausitzring. That was a special moment. However, we will have to wait and see how the BMW M3 DTM goes at this very special track. The season-opener in Hockenheim showed that we are competitive. Only Saturday’s qualifying will show to what extent the same is true at the Lausitzring. I obviously hope we are quick there too,” said Tomczyk.

Dirk Werner impressed the paddock at Hockenheim by qualifying third in his first ever DTM race. Although the German only finished 17th after being spun around in the race at Hockenheim, the mood is high ahead of Lausitzring.
“It goes without saying that not all the experience we gained in Hockenheim can be applied at the Lausitzring. We hardly have any time to prepare for the race. For this reason, it will be crucial to find a good set-up for the BMW M3 DTM as quickly as possible. If we manage that, we will hopefully be in good shape again. I have taken a lot of positives from Hockenheim, particularly qualifying, and am now hungry to get back out on the track,” said Werner.

Priaulx is the best placed BMW driver in the championship on eight points and the Brit is looking forward to drive at Lausitzring this weekend, the very track he had his first taste of the BMW M3 DTM.
“I have very special memories of the Lausitzring. It was there that I sat at the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM for the first time. The grip level is relatively low there, and there are a few bumps. The circuit offers some very good overtaking opportunities. I reckon it will be very close again, particularly in qualifying. The sixth place in Hockenheim has given me a real boost. I am ready for my second DTM weekend,” said Priaulx.