Munich. After a short summer break, BMW M Motorsport and the
BMW DTM teams now return for the second half of the 2018 DTM season.
The DTM is back at Brands Hatch in the south of England for the
sixth of its ten race weekends. The iconic circuit in the county of
Kent hosted the touring car series between 2006 and 2013. Back then,
however, the shorter Indy variant was used, whereas this year’s
races will be held on the 3.908-kilometre Grand Prix circuit. Most
of the drivers are as yet unfamiliar with this layout, with the
exception of BMW drivers Augusto Farfus (BRA), who won on the longer
circuit in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC), and
BMW DTM rookie Philipp Eng (AUT), who knows the track from his time
in GT racing. BMW raced in the DTM at Brands Hatch in 2012 and 2013,
with Bruno Spengler (CAN) finishing on the podium on both occasions.
The schedule for Brands Hatch is more compact than at other DTM race
weekends with the on-track action being compressed into two days. The
cars first take to the track on Saturday morning in two free practice
sessions. These are followed by qualifying and then the first of the
two races starts at 13:30 local time (14:30 CEST). Sunday, as usual,
features the third free practice, second qualifying and, at 13:30
local time, race two.
Timo Glock (GER), of BMW Team RMG, is currently the best-placed BMW
driver in the overall standings: he lies third with 101 points. His
team-mate Marco Wittmann (GER) is fourth with 98 points to his name.
Quotes ahead of the DTM races at Brands Hatch.
Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“We are really looking forward to the DTM returning to Brands Hatch.
We used the short track there in 2012 and 2013 and Bruno Spengler
finished on the podium in second place both times. Naturally, it would
be great if we could finish one step higher on the podium this time
but the long Grand Prix Circuit is new terrain for many. We need to
wait and see who can adapt to the conditions the quickest and get the
best set-up for the start to the weekend. Brands Hatch is a place with
a long history of motorsport. It is great to be able to offer the
amazing English fans DTM action once again.”
Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW Team RMG):
“We are very excited about returning to Brands Hatch. The Grand Prix
Circuit has a very interesting layout and the cards are reshuffled at
what is an unfamiliar track for many. Prior to the summer break we
scored good points with all three drivers in Zandvoort. Without the
incidents we had, it could have been an even better weekend for us. We
are now looking to back this up in the second half of the season. The
goal is to score as many points as possible in every race and try to
continue the run of victories and podiums that we started the season with.”
Marco Wittmann (#11 BMW Driving Experience M4 DTM, BMW Team
RMG – 4th place in the overall standings, points: 98):
“In my rookie year in 2013, Brands Hatch was the second DTM race I
ever drove in. Sure, we were on the shorter layout back then, but I
finished fourth and so have fond memories of the circuit. I am pleased
that the DTM is returning to England and am looking forward to the
longer circuit, which I have not yet driven. I hope we will be among
the front-runners again there and, in particular, that we can put some
pressure on Mercedes.”
Augusto Farfus (#15 Shell BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG –
16th place in the overall standings, points: 22):
“Brands Hatch is a magical place. It is another old-style circuit and
I have a lot of good memories. I can’t wait to get there. The British
weather is unpredictable; it can be 30 degrees or minus five but I am
really looking forward to it. It will be a great August for me as
first we have the DTM races at Brands Hatch and afterwards I head
straight to the FIA World Endurance Championship round at Silverstone.
Two great tracks and two great events. And after Zandvoort we can
expect to do well at Brands Hatch, too.”
Timo Glock (#16 DEUTSCHE POST BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR –
3rd place in the overall standings, points: 101):
“I have only ever driven on the short circuit at Brands Hatch. I am
really excited about the longer layout – and the very compact and
tight schedule. I am looking forward to driving in England again and
hope that we get a lot of English fans at the circuit. We will work
hard to ensure that we have another good weekend there.”
Bart Mampaey (Team Principal BMW Team RBM):
“Our team knows the long Grand Prix Circuit at Brands Hatch from our
time in the FIA WTCC. However, this knowledge will only help us to a
certain degree. Our task is now to find the perfect set-up as quickly
as possible for the BMW M4 DTM at this demanding circuit. Brands Hatch
is a real classic. You can sense the British motorsport tradition in
every corner. We are looking forward to a great race weekend to kick
off the second half of the season.”
Bruno Spengler (#7 BMW Bank M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM –
10th place in the overall standings, points: 43):
“I have never driven on the longer circuit at Brands Hatch; I only
know the shorter Indy track. As such, it will be a new challenge for
me and I will first have to familiarise myself with the layout but I
have fond memories of Brands Hatch, as I have stood on the podium
there in the past. It is a fascinating circuit – at least, the part I
know is. With its uphill and downhill sections, the track reminds me a
little of Zandvoort. The atmosphere at Brands Hatch is superb and the
English fans are great. As such, I am really looking forward to the weekend.”
Philipp Eng (#25 SAMSUNG BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR –
7th place in the overall standings, points: 67):
“I know the long layout at Brands Hatch from last year, when I drove
the BMW M6 GT3 there in the Blancpain GT Series. I won my first race
in Formula 2 there in 2003 and added a second win in 2010 – so I know
the track well and hope that will help me. Brands Hatch is like a mini
Nürburgring-Nordschleife. When you leave the Grand Prix Circuit, you
feel as though you are driving on a different track, especially in the
woods at the back of the circuit where you need plenty of courage when
you come to the fast right-hander at the end of the long straight.
There are a lot of blind corners, particularly in the second sector.
However, I think it will be great fun for us and the spectators.”
Joel Eriksson (#47 BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM – 14th
place in the overall standings, points: 27):
“It is going to be really tough for me as I will drive on the track
for the first time ever and according to what other drivers say it
seems to be quite challenging. It won’t be easy but I have been in
similar situations many times before and I like challenges. In
addition, I think that the track is great fun to drive so I am really
looking forward to it.”
Media Schedule.
Friday, 10th August
14:00-14:30 CEST, ITR press conference with Augusto Farfus, Media Centre
Saturday, 11th August
15:50-16:00 CEST, Mixed Zone with all BMW drivers, Media Centre
Sunday, 12th August
15:50-16:00 CEST, Mixed Zone with all BMW drivers, Media Centre
Statistics service.
BMW Motorsport offers a Chatbot service for journalists also in the
2018 DTM season. This allows users to receive the latest information
directly to their smartphone. The information available includes
driver statistics, statements and photos. You can register for the BMW
Motorsport Chatbot at the following link: http://bit.ly/BMW_Motorsport_Media_Broadcast_EN