BMW heads to its home race at Oschersleben in Germany this weekend aiming to build upon its strong record at the circuit.
The German manufacturer has enjoyed more success at Oschersleben than any other track on the WTCC calendar, having won nine out of the ten races held there since 2005. Current BMW drivers Augusto Farfus and Andy Priaulx have both won three times each, including a win each last year.
Team Principal Bart Mampaey believes his drivers can continue their impressive recent form. “In Brno Andy was able to reduce the gap to the front-runner in the Drivers’ Championship to 16 points. We obviously want to continue this positive trend in Oschersleben. The circuit has always been a successful stomping ground for BMW in the past. Our drivers have claimed a lot of victories there.”
Mampaey also feels that making a clean start to the two races will be key to getting a strong result. He adds “It will be important to get good starts in both races. A lot can happen in the first corner in Oschersleben – for that reason it is very important to keep away from the chaos. As usual, we do not have the fastest car. However, our race pace is spot on. We must use this to pick up a lot of points in both races.”
Farfus, who currently sits seventh in the standings, wants to put in a strong performance for his team. He says “It goes without saying the races in Oschersleben are special, as these are home events for BMW. Our mission is to win the title back for BMW. Therefore we obviously have to gain more points than anyone else. The easiest way to do this is to be at the front of the field myself, and to finish in front of our main competitors, so they ultimately drop points. That is precisely what I aim to do.”
Priaulx, who has closed the gap to championship leader Yvan Muller to 16 points, is hoping to take advantage of his car's good record at the circuit. “Last year proved to be superb for BMW. I would have no problems if Augusto Farfus and I were again on the top step of the podium. I like the circuit, and it suits my style. The BMW 320si WTCC is particularly competitive here. Oschersleben kicks off the part of the season when the championship battle hots up, so I really hope we have every reason to celebrate here after both races.”
