Photo: DTM Media

BMW optimistic after Spielberg qualifying

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Despite just narrowly missing out on pole to Canadian Robert Wickens, the atmosphere at BMW Motorsport is quite positive following a strong qualifying performance for the Bavarian marque.

Timo Glock, Marco Wittmann and Augusto Farfus will start just behind the Mercedes, and will do as much as they can to win the race.

BMW Motorsport director Jens Marquardt said:”We are very happy with the result of this qualifying. It is excellent. Timo Glock ultimately missed out on the first pole position of his DTM career by just six thousandths of a second. That was a very strong performance.

“In Marco Wittmann and Augusto Farfus we have another two BMW drivers on the front two rows of the grid. Due to the performance weight BMW drivers are at a clear disadvantage here, especially Marco [who has a performance weight of 7.5 kilos]. Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz and Robert Wickens on their pole position. We are now looking forward to tomorrow’s race, which we go into very well placed.”

Top placed BMW driver Timo Glock experienced problems in Q3 due to the track and air temperatures being lower, but is still confident of a good race.

“It is fantastic for us to start from the front row, as we did in Budapest,” said the BMW Team MTEK driver. “I got a good lap under my belt in Q2, which was very important. The third session was tricky at first, I did not have any grip anymore, as the sun had disappeared. Only on my third lap did I clock my fastest time. It is a shame it was not quite enough for pole, but I am still very proud.”

Team RMG’s Marco Wittmann said he is surprised with the pace shown by the M4s today.

“We were a bit surprised with how quick we were in qualifying, and that we were in contention for pole position, it did not look good at all in practice,” admitted the German, whose priority is to collect points in tomorrow’s race. “Third place on the grid is an excellent position going into the race. The priority for me is to score more valuable points and, if possible, finish on the podium.”

Augusto Farfus looked like a serious threat to pole position, but in fact only managed fourth.

“We are heading in the right direction,” said the Brazilian. “It is good to be getting closer to the front-runners. I think we can have a good race tomorrow. Our goal is now definitely the podium, and that is definitely possible if we get off to a good start.”