BMW Italia's new signing, Thomas Biagi, has qualified fourth on his Superstars series debut at Monza, in Italy.
Biagi, who is making his debut in the series this weekend, is one of the exciting new additions to the 2010 series at the wheel of a BMW M3.
Speaking about his debut in the Superstars series, Biagi said: “I am really very motivated for this new experience that opens a new chapter of my career, dedicated to touring cars. In the last few months I worked closely with Team’s men: their preparation and professionalism is at the highest levels and I believe we have all what it takes to start the season in the best possible way.
The BMW brand has always fascinated me and debuting as driver of BMW Team Italy in a historic track like Monza is going to be exciting. My supporters of the “Thomas Biagi Fans Club Cento” will be present in grand stands, pushing me even more and certainly will be the folklore surprise of the weekend”.
The opening races tomorrow are expected to see over 10,000 fans flock to Monza, where Biagi shares the second row with fellow BMW driver and current Champion, Gianni Morbidelli. Ahead of them are the Mercedes AMG C63 cars of Luigi Ferrara and Massimo Pigoli.
Biagi's best time round one of the fastest tracks in the world was a 1:57.570.
Speaking after qualifying, Biagi said: “I am moderately satisfied by my result: on a fast track like Monza, the higher power of Mercedes engine made the difference since free practice and it was nearly impossible to aim at the first row. My reference point is Morbidelli in this moment: he is the ruling champion and he knows well team and car therefore being at his side is certainly a good starting point for the race.
In my best lap I probably did not exploit tyres at the hundred percent but it being at the first race with a new car this is almost unavoidable. Chances to score a good result tomorrow are not missing anyway…”
Monza hosts the first rounds of the 2010 Superstars series, and after Monza, the series will have another 18 races at some of the most important Italian and International circuits, with the season finale in South Africa, at the Kyalami circuit on the 28th November.