New challenge for Timo Scheider – António Félix da Costa on
the road with the BMW i8 in Nevada.
-
Nürburgring 24 Hours: Scheider looking forward to competing
for BMW. - Formula E: António Félix da Costa on Route 66.
- GT Asia Series: AAI Motorsports competing with the BMW M6 GT3.
Whether in the DTM, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar
Championship, or countless other championships week after week BMW
teams and drivers around the world do battle for points, victories
and titles. Away from the track too, members of the large BMW
Motorsport family around the world are also creating headlines. “BMW
Motorsport News” allows us to regularly summarise all the action for
you in a concise and informative manner. That way, you are always up
to speed.
Nürburgring 24 Hours: Scheider looking forward to competing
for BMW.
For many years, Timo Scheider and the other BMW works drivers have
crossed swords as rivals at racetracks around the world. The
38-year-old now joins the team for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring
(GER). The 2008 and 2009 DTM champion has also put together an
impressive CV in GT racing over the course of his career. Scheider was
part of the victorious team at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2003.
He triumphed twice at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL, 2005 and
2011) and also reached the podium on his debut at the Le Mans (FRA)
24-hour race in 2010. In this interview, he talks about his new
challenge and his experiences with the BMW M6 GT3.
Three questions for… Timo Scheider.
Timo, what are your thoughts as you embark on a new
cooperation with BMW?
Timo Scheider: “I had completely forgotten how it feels to start a
new project. For years, you believe that everything is perfect and
that you are still fully motivated. Then, all of a sudden, you get a
new boost and realise that there is more to give. This revitalisation
can be converted into performance out on the racetrack.”
How have you found BMW over the course of your long career?
Scheider: “BMW has always been very pleasant. We always had fair
battles with each other out on the track. I have many more friends in
the BMW squad of drivers than at any other manufacturer. The chemistry
is good. For example, Timo Glock is one of my best friends, and always
talked a lot about how BMW Motorsport does things. It would obviously
be a dream to share a car with him. Whatever happens, I am really
looking forward to working with the guys.”
What are your expectations for the 24-hour race?
Scheider: “Last year, I had one or two battles with a BMW M6 GT3. I
basically had a front-row seat from which to admire the strengths of
the car so I think it is a great move for me to switch seats and line
up in it on the Nordschleife. I am confident that the BMW M6 GT3 will
be one of the cars to beat.”
—
Formula E: António Félix da Costa on Route 66.
BMW works driver António Félix da Costa has had an eventful few
weeks. After his promotional tour for this year’s Formula E premiere
in New York City, he enjoyed a very special driving experience. The
driver from the MS Amlin Andretti team drove the BMW i8 along the
legendary Route 66 through the Nevada desert (USA). Félix da Costa saw
deserted ghost towns, explored the natural environment and did some
spectacular desert drifting. This marked the end of the three-month
break in the FIA Formula E Championship season. The third race takes
place next weekend in Buenos Aires (ARG).
You can see the video of António Félix da Costa’s trip through
Nevada here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eorCC3iOaas
GT Asia Series: AAI Motorsports competing with three BMW
cars.
Strong BMW line-up in the GT Asia Series: AAI
Motorsports will be competing with three BMW GT3 race cars in 2017.
After last year’s successful debut for the BMW M6 GT3 in the Asian Le
Mans Series, the car will now be competing in sprint events. The team,
led by Jun San Chen (TWN), will be challenging for wins and titles
with a BMW Z4 GT3. “It is great to be returning to the sprint races in
the GT Asia Series after our involvement in the endurance-oriented
Asian Le Mans Series. Every fraction of a second can decide who is
victorious,” said Chen. The GT Asia Series season starts on 7th March
with two days of testing at the “Sepang International Circuit” in
Malaysia (MYS), which is also where the first two races of the season
will take place between 10th and 12th March.