Hockenheim (DE), 16th October 2016. Marco Wittmann (DE) did it:
Thanks to his fourth place at the season finale at the Hockenheimring
(DE) he was crowned DTM champion for the second time. This makes
Wittmann the first BMW driver to win two drivers’ championships in the
DTM. He is also the first DTM driver ever to have managed to claim his
second title in only his fourth season.
In an interview Wittmann talks about the 2016 DTM season and the
decider in Hockenheim.
Marco, two-time DTM Champion – How does that sound to
you?
Marco Wittmann: “Fantastic! It’s a great
feeling that I managed to be the first BMW driver to win two DTM
titles. I might have been a little bit more emotional at the finish
line the first time. But my success this year proves that the title in
2014 wasn’t just a flash in the pan. There aren’t many drivers at all
who have won the DTM twice. I’m very proud to be part of this elite circle.”
What was the key to success at this finale
weekend?
Wittmann: “I just kept my cool, as I did
throughout the entire season. Sure, our rivals didn’t make things easy
for us this year. Edoardo Mortara was a fierce rival. He would have
deserved the title too. Maybe I was a bit cleverer this season. I kept
out of dicey situations and picked up points in almost every race. On
top of this were three wins. In the end it was close, but I think that
we deserved the title.”
When you compare the two seasons 2014 and 2016: Which year was
more difficult?
Wittmann: “No one just wins
titles. I had to work just as hard to win in 2014 as I did this year.
Naturally, it was more exciting for the fans this season since the
title wasn’t decided until the very last race. In contrast, I clinched
the title before the end of the season in 2014. The 2016 DTM season
offered fantastic racing. The field was studded with top-class drivers
and I had to fight for every point. My rivals didn’t make it easy for
me, but I kept cool and focussed on my strengths. And the second title
was the result.”
Edoardo Mortara was your main rival this year: What is your
opinion of him?
Wittmann: “I have great respect
for him and his performance. He is a fantastic driver and a cool guy.
Edo fought like a lion and did everything to make things go his way
this weekend. I ended up just in front. Edo, like Jamie Green, who
finished third in the drivers’ championship, has a fantastic season
behind him and delivered a great show for the fans. I think that I’ll
need to be on my guard next season since Edo will do everything to
fight me for the title.”
Who would you like to thank in particular for this
success?
Wittmann: “My guys at BMW Team RMG and
everyone at BMW Motorsport. I feel incredibly at home and know that
everyone supported me 100 per cent. As a driver you are nothing
without your team. The mechanics and engineers worked hard to provide
me with a perfect car. The pit crew were flawless in the races. We win
and lose together. We have reason to celebrate after this season. My
family also played a big role in my success. They support me. I can
allow myself to relax and recharge my batteries for the tasks that I
need to master in the DTM.”
How will you celebrate this title?
Wittmann:
“We’re really going to go for it today. The team earned it. No
doubt I will have a lot of hands to shake and a lot of congratulations
to receive, but it’s a pleasure after such a success. After the
official part, then things will really get going.”
More information.
You can find the latest BMW Motorsport media information, the
DTM Press Kit, and copyright-free images for editorial purposes online
at www.press.bmwgroup.com/global.
BMW Motorsport on the web.
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