BMW Motorsport completed two successful days of testing at the Lausitzring on Monday and Tuesday with three of its new BMW M3 DTM cars.
All three of the teams that will be part of BMW's DTM return in 2012 – BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG – were present at the test running one car each. Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus, the two drivers so far confirmed by the marque for next year, were on driving duties together with fellow BMW works drivers Dirk Muller and Jorg Muller.
The Lausitzring test was the first joint test for BMW, Audi and Mercedes, with the latter two having unveiled their cars this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
“We can look back positively on the test at the Lausitzring,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Our four drivers got a lot of kilometres under their belts at the Lausitzring and collected a lot of data. It was interesting to test together with our rivals for the first time, although it is still too early to make any real comparisons between the manufacturers.
“Congratulations to Audi and Mercedes-Benz. They will also be lining up with really beautiful and impressive cars. I think the fans can look forward to a great season with the BMW M3 DTM, the Audi A5 DTM and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.”
The two Mullers got behind the wheel of the car for the first time. Both have extensive experience in touring cars with BMW, but said that the DTM car was somewhat different to what they had raced before.
“Monday's test was great fun,” said Dirk. “It reminded me of my time in single-seater racing. The BMW M3 DTM also generates a lot of downforce. I felt comfortable with the car from the word go.”
Jorg added: “As a driver, you obviously have to get used to a car like this. The BMW M3 DTM is very responsive and is unbelievably good turning into corners. You can feel the immense downforce in the fast corners. We spent a lot of time on the track on Tuesday and learned a lot.”
The next test for the car is scheduled at the Hungaroring on 21/22 September, where GT regular Dirk Wernerwill join Priaulx, Farfus and Dirk Muller.