Vallelunga. BMW M Motorsport’s preparations for the 2020 DTM
season are in full swing. This week, the BMW M4 DTM returned to the
track at a three-test test at Vallelunga, Italy. In action were
drivers Philipp Eng (AUT) and Timo Glock (GER), who completed an
intensive programme of testing from Wednesday to Friday.
Predominantly sunny weather made for nearly consistently good
conditions over the three days at the racetrack to the north of Rome.
This allowed BMW M Motorsport to work through all the test points
scheduled with the modified BMW M4 DTM. Different technical ideas for
the coming season were evaluated in a number of short and long runs.
In total, Eng and Glock completed 460 laps – that is 1,851 kilometres
of testing.
Joining them in Italy were the two newcomers to the BMW works squad
for the 2020 DTM, Lucas Auer (AUT) and Jonathan Aberdein (RSA). They
used the test days to get to know the team and processes at BMW M
Motorsport. The next test is scheduled for 16th to 18th March at Monza
(ITA). All the BMW DTM drivers will be in action at this official ITR
test. The opening round of the season takes place at Zolder (BEL) from
24th to 26th April.
Quotes on the DTM test at Vallelunga.
Philipp Eng: “We are very happy with the test. It was
great to feel how much positive energy there is in the team, and to
see how much hard work has been put in over the winter. Everyone is
fully motivated. As a driver, that gives me an extremely good feeling.
Out on the track, we confirmed that we have been able to implement
everything we resolved to do. The car is really very easy to drive. We
have taken a further step forward and I am now looking forward to the
next test in Monza.”
Timo Glock: “It was very nice to be back in the car
after the long break. When I arrived in the paddock on the first
morning, I realised that this is my 20th year in motor racing, if I
deduct the karting years. And I still have butterflies in my stomach
when I walk through the paddock, and look forward to getting behind
the wheel of a racing car. I had a big smile on my face for the first
few laps. I really enjoyed it. The car felt good and we were able to
work through some of the points on our list. It was a positive test
and we must now make sure we sort everything else out in Monza and
continue to prepare well for the season.”
Lucas Auer: “It was a very interesting test for me. I
have seen all the processes at BMW, got to know everyone in the team,
and obviously also watched what Philipp and Timo were up to on the
track. I am now very excited about Monza, where I will be at the wheel
of the BMW M4 DTM myself.”
Jonathan Aberdein: “It has been great to be at
Vallelunga preparing for the 2020 DTM season. My role at this test was
to spectate, to get to know the team and to learn how everything is
operating and running. It has been valuable for me to gather this
information. Now I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the BMW M4
DTM myself at the next test at Monza.”