While the focus this week in Jerez was on the new drivers at the DTM Young Driver test, it also presented manufacturers the opportunity to continue development of their 2019 race car.
BMW DTM drivers Marco Wittmann and Bruno Spengler were on hand during the three-day test to put the car through its paces at the series makes the switch to Class 1 regulations, including a newly-developed turbo engine.
Double champion Marco Wittmann ended the 2018 season as the highest placed BMW driver in DTM, finishing in fourth place, taking two wins and a further four podium finishes throughout the season. The German explained his duties at the test, “Our job at the tests was to make progress with the development of the new car.
“One focus was on the new turbo engine: it is important to understand this better, and to fine tune it, from test to test. The engineers, teams and us drivers obviously still have a lot of work ahead of us, to be well prepared going into the new season.
Credit: BMW M Motorsport
“After all, this is the start of a new era in the DTM. However, we are all excited and very much looking forward to it.
“More power is always cool for us drivers. The test at Jerez was another important step towards the new season and we have now all – drivers, mechanics, engineers – earned our Christmas.”
2012 DTM champion Bruno Spengler was also assisting with the test this week and was happy with the progress that was made during the three days, “We are progressing well with our work on the BMW M4 DTM for the coming season.
“The conditions have been consistent, we completed a lot of laps, and made good progress through our planned programme.
“That is very important, as we only have a certain number of test days. It was a productive test and I am now looking forward to a few quiet days ‘between the seasons’ with my family.”
