Vallelunga. BMW Motorsport entered the crucial phase of
preparations for the 2018 DTM season with the first test of the year
at Vallelunga, Italy
. The priority for the engineers at the circuit to the north
of Rome (ITA) on Friday and Sunday was to take a more detailed look
at the BMW M4 DTM, many areas of which have been modified. The
driver in action was Marco Wittmann (GER).
In accordance with the DTM regulations, the BMW M4 DTM for the coming
season has been modified in a number of areas. The changes primarily
affect the aerodynamics and result in a significant reduction in the
amount of downforce generated. BMW Motorsport used the test in
Vallelunga to assess these modifications on the racetrack for the
first time, and to examine exactly what effect they have on the way
the car behaves. As such, it was possible to gather important
information for the rest of the season.
Thursday’s roll-out took place in wintery conditions, with
temperatures barely above freezing point and snow next to the track.
It was warmer on the two test days on Friday and Saturday, but the
weather was unsettled – sometimes very rainy, sometimes sunny.
“It is always something special and exciting see a new package take
to the track for the first time, and to see how it behaves,” said BMW
Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “In addition, the new BMW M4 DTM
simply looks great in the new BMW M Motorsport design. The Vallelunga
test was an important first assessment for us, even if the conditions
were not ideal. The findings we have made in Italy will form a good
basis for our engineers and teams, both as they continue to prepare
for, and during the season. At the same time, it was a good
opportunity for our team to get together again after all the work over
the winter, and to practice procedures at the racetrack.”
“My first impression is that, despite the significantly reduced
downforce, the car still has a good balance,” said Wittmann. “However,
the challenge has increased, especially in the wet conditions we
experienced at the test. We will learn more about the behaviour of the
new package at Hockenheim with different track and weather conditions.
Overall I enjoyed taking my new BMW Driving Experience M4 DTM to the
track – I feel really at home in the new BMW M Motorsport colours!”
The second official ITR test of the year takes place at the
Hockenheimring (GER) from 9th to 12th April. The
same venue then hosts the opening two races of the DTM season on
5th and 6th May.