Tailwind on trip to Budapest: BMW DTM teams ready for the first 2018 season race outside Germany.

Munich. The BMW DTM teams have their first 2018 season trip
abroad ahead of them: On Saturday and Sunday
(2nd/3rd June), races number five and six will
be held at the Hungaroring near Budapest (HUN). After two race
weekends, BMW driver Timo Glock (GER) continues to lead the driver’s
standings in the DTM. The front runner currently has 72 points to
his name. Marco Wittmann (GER) in seventh is currently the
second-highest BMW driver in the overall standings. In the first
four races of the year, Glock has picked up one win, one second
place and one third place. Wittmann and DTM rookie Philipp Eng (AUT)
have also already made it onto the podium this season.

 

This season sees the 4.381-kilometre Hungaroring host the DTM for the
fifth time. The track has proved to be a good hunting ground for BMW
in the past. In the seven DTM races that have been held there to date,
the BMW drivers have picked up one win and a total of six podium positions.

 

Quotes ahead of the DTM races at Budapest.

 

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):

“Hockenheim and the Lausitzring provided us with two race weekends
full of excitement, drama and emotions. The 2018 DTM season could not
have got off to a better start. Now the stage is set for the third
round at the Hungaroring – and we are confident that the fans will
experience exhilarating races there as well. We are heading to Hungary
with a strong tailwind. Timo successfully defended his lead in the
standings at the Lausitzring, at least one BMW driver has been on the
podium at every race this season, and the Hungaroring has always been
a good track for us. So, our goal has to be to bring home more successes.”

 

Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW Team RMG):

“Budapest has always been a track that has suited us. After the first
two race weekends, naturally we are extremely motivated. We want to
remain on the road to success with Timo and Marco, and now we also
want to move further forward with Augusto. But we are also aware that
when you are riding on a wave of success, you need to work really hard
to stay on that wave.”

 

Marco Wittmann (#11 BMW Driving Experience M4 DTM, BMW Team
RMG – 7th place in the overall standings, points: 26):

“I really like the track at Budapest. It’s a technical circuit, but
still very fast. The Hungaroring has a little bit of every type of
turn and the Hungarian fans are very enthusiastic. I won at Budapest
in 2014. I like looking back on that. However, things have been a
little more difficult for us there in recent years. Despite that, I am
still really looking forward to Hungary. I’m highly motivated after
the podium at the Lausitzring.”

 

Augusto Farfus (#15 Shell BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG –
15th place in the overall standings, points: 2):

“Budapest was a good track for us last year, and I really like it
there. The circuit is the total opposite of the Lausitzring. It is
extremely flat, so the set-up has to be adjusted accordingly. The
track boasts a lovely sequence of semi-fast turns. That suits me.
Hopefully we will have a good weekend there.”

 

Timo Glock (#16 DEUTSCHE POST BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR –
1st place in the overall standings, points: 72):

“We need to wait and see how we do at Budapest this year. Audi was
very good there last year but our car is very strong at the moment and
works on different types of circuit. Budapest is always a highlight
and the track has always really suited me in the past. I’m excited to
see if we will continue to have a good pace there.”

 

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal BMW Team RBM):

“The races at Budapest are the first outside Germany this year and
the atmosphere is unique. You always feel very welcome there. The
track is definitely a challenge and we have experienced a lot of
exciting DTM races there. We are in a really good position after the
initial races and hopefully that will continue at Budapest.”

 

Bruno Spengler (#7 BMW Bank M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM –
9th place in the overall standings, points: 23):

“I was on the podium at Budapest last year which is why I am really
looking forward to returning. It is a very interesting track and the
many semi-fast turns are great. It is difficult to overtake there,
which is why qualifying is extremely important, but I think our car
should suit this track really well. As a driver, you definitely look
forward to this event.”

 

Philipp Eng (#25 SAMSUNG BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR –
8th place in the overall standings, points: 26):

“I love being in Budapest. The city is fantastic. We won’t get to see
much of it during the DTM weekend, but the atmosphere is unique. This
track is a great deal of fun for us as drivers. Competing there in a
DTM car will no doubt be something special. I hope that we can carry
the momentum from Lusatia with us.”

 

Joel Eriksson (#47 BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM – 11th
place in the overall standings, points: 15):

“I only have good memories of the Hungaroring. It is one of my
all-time favourite tracks. I love the city too. I have a good feeling
going into this weekend, since I won there in Formula 3 last year and
had pole position so, I know the track very well.”

 

Media Schedule.

 

Friday, 1st June

14:00-14:30 CEST, ITR press conference with Philipp Eng, Media Center

 

Saturday, 2nd June

15:50-16:00 CEST, Mixed Zone with all BMW drivers, Media Center

 

Saturday, 2nd June

10:20-11:05 CEST, interview with BMW Motorsport Director Jens
Marquardt, BMW M Motorsport Hospitality

 

Sunday, 3rd June

15:50-16:00 CEST, Mixed Zone with all BMW drivers, Media Center

 

WhatsApp 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 via WhatsApp Messenger. 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