“Sensational” triple title for BMW and Bruno Spengler

The expectations on BMW’s return to the DTM were high. But the Munich-based manufacturer exceeded all expectations by claiming all three titles: Bruno Spengler won the drivers’ title, BMW Team Schnitzer won the teams’ title and BMW won the manufacturers’ title after the season finale at Hockenheim today.

Newly crowned DTM champion Spengler was emotional with his first title after coming close so many times before.
“My dad had a black BMW M3 Coupé for a long time. I was still a small boy. The sound of the engine alone fascinated me. My dad often had to rev it for me. I’m proud to represent BMW. The fact we won the title together is just sensational,” said Spengler.

Last time BMW took part in the DTM was in 1992 and the last title came in 1989 with legendary touring car driver Roberto Ravaglia and legendary touring car Team Schnitzer.
“I am speechless. This is a very big moment in the motorsport history of BMW Team Schnitzer. To win the title in a final race like that – in such a close battle that came down to Bruno’s nerves and perfect pit stops – fills me with an incredible amount of pride. It still hasn’t sunk in what just happened here,” said Charly Lamm, Team Manager of BMW Team Schnitzer.
“The finale in Hockenheim was the crowning moment in what has been a perfect season for us. With his fourth win of the season, Bruno Spengler actually managed to win the Drivers’ title in BMW’s first year back in the DTM for 20 years. That is a sensational success, on which on behalf of BMW Motorsport I would like to congratulate Bruno and, of course, BMW Team Schnitzer. The fact Charly Lamm’s crew also finished top of the team competition and BMW won the Manufacturers’ Championship is the icing on the cake. BMW Team Schnitzer was also behind our last DTM title back in 1989. It is an absolutely unbelievable story that Charly and his boys are back on top almost a quarter of a century later. We can all be very proud of the 2012 season. We have all written another chapter in motorsport history,” said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director.

Competitors Audi and Mercedes congratulated BMW to their successful first DTM season in 20 years.
“Congratulations to Bruno, BMW and Team Schnitzer on winning the title. Bruno’s victory is well deserved. In 2012, he has achieved what was denied him previously in five attempts when he drove for us, and so we offer him our congratulations,” said Norbert Haug, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport.
“First of all, congratulations to BMW. It was a strong performance; we experienced a thrilling finale,” said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich, Head of Audi Motorsport.

Spengler headed to the DTM finale three points behind main rival Gary Paffett who has headed the standings since the first race at Hockenheim in April. Thanks to his fourth victory of the season, Spengler claimed the crown with a four-point margin.

The Canadian joined the DTM in 2005. After a struggling first year, Spengler has been in the very top of the championship since then and finished as runner-up in only his second season. After seven seasons with Mercedes, his first title finally came with BMW.
“I feel very happy with BMW, everyone has been very welcoming right from the first second I arrived. It’s a pure piece of motorsport history. That I’ve been able to continue the success story of BMW Team Schnitzer means a great deal to me,” said Spengler.

Despite exceeding all expectations in their first season since 1992, the goal is clear for 2013: to defend the triple.
“I’m even itching to start right now,” said Spengler.