First half of the DTM season comes to an end for the six BMW drivers at Zandvoort this weekend.

Munich. For the fifth race weekend of the 2018 DTM season, BMW M Motorsport heads to the North Sea where races nine and ten will be held at Zandvoort (NED). The “Circuit Park” there is an iconic track in the dunes – demanding and fast in equal measure. BMW drivers have brought home a total of four wins there since 2012 and are eager to end the first half of the 2018 season with a strong performance.

BMW Team RMG’s Marco Wittmann (GER) is currently the best-placed BMW driver in the overall standings. With 92 points to his name, he is in third place. His team-mate Timo Glock (GER) has clocked up the same number of points, but is in fourth place due to a lower number of wins (Wittmann two wins, Glock one win). Wittmann in particular is full of confidence heading to the North Sea coast. He recently finished on the podium three times in a row, which saw him consistently make up ground on the leaders in the driver’s standings.

Quotes ahead of the DTM races at Zandvoort.

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):

“Zandvoort is one of the absolute highlights of the DTM year and the first half of the season will come to an end there. We can draw positive interim conclusions, not only because we have brought home three wins and seven other podiums in the races to date, but also because the fans have experienced gripping duels, thrilling motorsport and many emotions. We are convinced that this will be the case once again at the demanding Zandvoort dune track. We are really looking forward to the coming weekend as the ‘Circuit Park’ right on the sea is always a very special location.”

Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW Team RMG):

“Zandvoort is always worth the journey for the fans as that is where they get to experience the unique combination of beach, sea and thrilling motorsport. We have good memories of this track, on which we have been very successful in the past. We can be pleased with the season progress to date as well, particularly after Marco’s home win. However, we are aware that it is only the end of the first half of the season at the North Sea, and we still have a way to go. We are also keen to build on Augusto’s success there last season.”

Marco Wittmann (#11 BMW Driving Experience M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG – 3^rd place in the overall standings, points: 92):

“Zandvoort is one of my favourite tracks. I have enjoyed more success in the DTM there than on almost any other track to date. I have already brought home some wins and pole positions there, and am really looking forward to it. Naturally, I am taking a lot of momentum from the Norisring with me. I had a week off after my home race, and now my batteries are recharged.”

Augusto Farfus (#15 Shell BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG – 18^th place in the overall standings, points: 8):

“Zandvoort is a highlight. In 2017, I had the strongest DTM weekend of the season there. I hope that it will go well for me again this time. It is the best track of the year probably, together with Brands Hatch. I will definitely push there. The layout is really nice and I like the high-speed sectors in particular.”

Timo Glock (#16 DEUTSCHE POST BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR – 4^th place in the overall standings, points: 92):

“Zandvoort has always been a really good track for us to date. Of course, that applies to me in 2017 in particular, when I won. I hope that we will have the optimum set-up there again this time. My rhythm at the Norisring was not very good. I will give it my all to make sure things are better at Zandvoort.”

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal BMW Team RBM):

“Zandvoort is an old-school track with plenty of fast turns and its own character. It’s not without reason that the ‘Circuit Park’ is often referred to as a roller coaster. Also, there are not many other racetracks in such a great environment. For us, Zandvoort is almost a home event, it is only about 200 kilometres from our team HQ in Mechelen which is why the whole team is really looking forward to the race weekend.”

Bruno Spengler (#7 BMW Bank M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM – 9^th place in the overall standings, points: 43):

“Zandvoort is a really great track that is a lot of fun. The layout is a little old-fashioned, and the wind is also a factor there. The conditions can change from one lap to the next. In qualifying in particular, you need a bit of luck. If the wind blows fresh sand onto the track on your fast lap, it’s critical. The car needs to do well in the fast turns in particular.”

Philipp Eng (#25 SAMSUNG BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR – 7^th place in the overall standings, points: 53):

“I have always enjoyed success at Zandvoort in the past. I frequently had my strongest weekend in the one-make cups there. I hope that I can deliver a similar performance in the DTM. No doubt the fast and medium-speed turns will suit our car. Of course, the qualifying session is particularly important as it is very difficult to overtake at Zandvoort.”

Joel Eriksson (#47 BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM – 12^th place in the overall standings, points: 25):

“After the quite difficult weekend at the Norisring I am now looking forward to Zandvoort. I had some good history there in Formula 3. I won the Masters of Formula 3 and raced to the podium in 2017. I really like the circuit. It is kind of my style of track; there is no real room for mistakes. I think it should be a good weekend for us.”

Media Schedule.

Friday, 13^th July

14:00-14:30 CEST, ITR press conference with Bruno Spengler, Media Center

Saturday, 14^th July

15:30-15:40 CEST, Mixed Zone with all BMW drivers, Media Center

Sunday, 15^th July

15:30-15:40 CEST, Mixed Zone with all BMW drivers, Media Center

Statistics service.

BMW Motorsport offers a Chatbot service for journalists also in the 2018 DTM season. This allows users to receive the latest information directly to their smartphone. The information available includes driver statistics, statements and photos. You can register for the BMW Motorsport Chatbot at the following link: http://bit.ly/BMW_Motorsport_Media_Broadcast_EN