Hockenheim. The DTM returned to the Hockenheimring (GER) this
week for the first time since the grand finale of the 2017 season:
The six BMW drivers and their rivals were back at the
4.574-kilometre from Monday to Thursday for an official test. In
total, they completed more than 1,500 laps and 7,000 kilometres. BMW
Team RMG, BMW Team RBM and the drivers used the test to prepare
meticulously for the season-opener at the same venue on
5th May 2018, and to gain experience with the modified
BMW M4 DTM. A BMW driver topped the timings list on two of the four
days. Bruno Spengler (CAN) set the best time of the week in his BMW
Bank M4 DTM on Wednesday in 1:32.089 minutes. The annual Media Day
had kicked off the DTM test week on Monday.
Reactions from the DTM test in Hockenheim:
Marco Wittmann (#11 BMW Driving Experience M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG):
“The test was very productive. We got through a lot of laps, were
able to get some thorough testing under our belt and are very happy.
It was not just about the general performance for us. We tried to work
on certain points and get through our programme. On the two days of
good weather we were able to gain a lot of experience and make some
important findings to really understand the car. You obviously don’t
know exactly what the opposition has been doing in the meantime, or
who has been on what tyres when. As such, there are still a few
question marks. However, as everyone is well aware, they will be
answered in the first qualifying session. All in all, it was a
positive test for the team and me. I am looking ahead to the start of
the season at Hockenheim with confidence and am pleased that it is
just three weeks until we get going again.”
Augusto Farfus (#15 Shell BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG):
“The test was very good. We got through many kilometres and gathered
a lot of data. I was the fastest man on Wednesday afternoon. That
gives us a positive feeling and a nice boost. We ran through various
scenarios – short runs and long runs. It was good preparation for us
to get everything up and running.”
Timo Glock (#16 DEUTSCHE POST BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR):
“All in all, the test at Hockenheim went well. We even had time to
try out a few interesting things. The task now is to take a close look
at the data we have gathered and to draw the correct conclusions
looking ahead to the opening races.”
Philipp Eng (#25 SAMSUNG BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR):
“We have completed a very intensive test programme here at
Hockenheim. That has really helped me, as I am still getting used to
the specific challenges that the DTM car poses to my driving style.
However, I think we have found a good set-up for this circuit – one I
am happy with. My preparations for the DTM debut are on track.”
Bruno Spengler (#7 BMW Bank M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM):
“They were two very productive days for me. We made good progress.
The car felt good. We were definitely working in the right direction.
Given the short time available, we all did a great job and took full
advantage of that time. We were able to test various different things.
On the whole, I am very happy and looking forward to the first race.”
Joel Eriksson (#47 BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM):
“I am very happy with this test. I was able to do many laps on both
of my days in the car and got used to it even more. I really learned a
lot – especially during my long runs on Thursday. They were completely
new for me. We also found some good things in terms of set-up and I
feel really comfortable in the car.”