BMW Motorsport News – Issue 07/14.

Whether in the DTM, the United SportsCar Championship, or countless other championships: week after week BMW teams and drivers around the world do battle for points, victories and titles. Away from the track too, members of the large BMW Motorsport family around the world are also creating headlines. The “BMW Motorsport News” allows us to regularly summarise all the action for you in a compact and informative manner. This way, you are always up to speed.

Japanese Super GT: Jörg Müller racing for BMW Sports Trophy Team Studie in 2014.

The 2014 season sees the Japanese Super GT Championship add a well-known name from Germany to its ranks. Jörg Müller (DE) will drive a BMW Z4 GT3 in the GT300 class for BMW Sports Trophy Team Studie. Together with his team-mate Seiji Ara (JP), Müller will compete in eight race weekends at Japan’s most famous tracks. The season starts on 5th/6th April in Okayama (JP) and ends on 15th/16th November in Motegi (JP). Last year Müller competed successfully in one round of the series for BMW Sports Trophy Team Studie.

Three questions for… Jörg Müller.

Jörg, what brought you and BMW Sports Trophy Team Studie together?

Jörg Müller: “We met last year when I drove for the team at the Suzuka 1000km. We got on well from the start, and those in charge were very happy with my performance. I felt at home with my team-mates so I didn't need to think twice when I was asked to drive in the Japanese Super GT Championship in the coming season.”

What do you think of motor racing in Japan after many years racing there?

Müller: “I've driven in Formula 3, the FIA GT1 World Championship and the FIA WTCC in Japan. The passion for motor racing shown by the fans is what has always impressed me most. The stands are always full and the spectators are very knowledgeable. There aren't many places where I have signed more autographs than in Japan.”

What are your goals for your first season in the Super GT?

Müller: “The Japanese Super GT Championship is a world-class series with many talented drivers. I know the tracks in Okayama and Suzuka very well, but many of the other tracks are completely new to me. It's going to be very challenging. But I never compete in a racing series to make up the numbers, I want to get to grips with the challenge as quickly as possible and fight for the top positions.”

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24 Hours Nürburgring: Schedule announced for qualifying race.

On 6th April, the first ever qualifying race in the history of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (DE) will take place. The six-hour race with numerous day and night sessions gives the participants the perfect opportunity to prepare themselves and their cars for the endurance classic that will be held on the weekend of 21st/22nd June. BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert and BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS are taking advantage of this opportunity and will both race their BMW Z4 GT3s in the qualifying race.

Saturday, 5th April 2014
8:30 – 11:30hrs: Qualifying race (GP circuit) – Test drives
16:50 – 18:20hrs: Qualifying race – Free practice
18:40 – 21:20hrs: Qualifying race – Qualifying 1

Sunday, 6th April 2014
9:00 – 10:00hrs: Qualifying race – Qualifying 2
10:50 – 11:3hrs: Qualifying race – Starting grid
12:00 – 18:00hrs: Qualifying race – Race (6 hours)

Dirk Werner special guest for milestone at BMW factory in Dingolfing.
BMW works driver Dirk Werner (DE) visited BMW Plant Dingolfing (DE) to celebrate an extra special milestone. The nine-millionth BMW rolled off the production line at the plant in Lower Bavaria. To mark the occasion Werner signed autographs for the BMW employees, posed for photos with them and answered their questions. He also handed over the nine-millionth BMW, a BMW M6 Gran Coupé, to the lucky customer, Dirk Schulz.