BMW Motorsport News – Issue 06/17.

New challenge for Timo Scheider – António Félix da Costa on the road with the BMW i8 in Nevada.

• Nürburgring 24 Hours: Scheider looking forward to competing for BMW.
• Formula E: António Félix da Costa on Route 66.
• GT Asia Series: AAI Motorsports competing with the BMW M6 GT3.
  
  

Whether in the DTM, the IMSA WeatherTech 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. “BMW Motorsport News” allows us to regularly summarise all the action for you in a concise and informative manner. That way, you are always up to speed.

Nürburgring 24 Hours: Scheider looking forward to competing for BMW.

For many years, Timo Scheider and the other BMW works drivers have crossed swords as rivals at racetracks around the world. The 38-year-old now joins the team for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (GER). The 2008 and 2009 DTM champion has also put together an impressive CV in GT racing over the course of his career. Scheider was part of the victorious team at the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2003. He triumphed twice at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL, 2005 and 2011) and also reached the podium on his debut at the Le Mans (FRA) 24-hour race in 2010. In this interview, he talks about his new challenge and his experiences with the BMW M6 GT3.

Three questions for... Timo Scheider.

Timo, what are your thoughts as you embark on a new cooperation with BMW?

Timo Scheider: “I had completely forgotten how it feels to start a new project. For years, you believe that everything is perfect and that you are still fully motivated. Then, all of a sudden, you get a new boost and realise that there is more to give. This revitalisation can be converted into performance out on the racetrack.”

How have you found BMW over the course of your long career?

Scheider: “BMW has always been very pleasant. We always had fair battles with each other out on the track. I have many more friends in the BMW squad of drivers than at any other manufacturer. The chemistry is good. For example, Timo Glock is one of my best friends, and always talked a lot about how BMW Motorsport does things. It would obviously be a dream to share a car with him. Whatever happens, I am really looking forward to working with the guys.”

What are your expectations for the 24-hour race?

Scheider: “Last year, I had one or two battles with a BMW M6 GT3. I basically had a front-row seat from which to admire the strengths of the car so I think it is a great move for me to switch seats and line up in it on the Nordschleife. I am confident that the BMW M6 GT3 will be one of the cars to beat.”

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Formula E: António Félix da Costa on Route 66.

BMW works driver António Félix da Costa has had an eventful few weeks. After his promotional tour for this year's Formula E premiere in New York City, he enjoyed a very special driving experience. The driver from the MS Amlin Andretti team drove the BMW i8 along the legendary Route 66 through the Nevada desert (USA). Félix da Costa saw deserted ghost towns, explored the natural environment and did some spectacular desert drifting. This marked the end of the three-month break in the FIA Formula E Championship season. The third race takes place next weekend in Buenos Aires (ARG).

You can see the video of António Félix da Costa’s trip through Nevada here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eorCC3iOaas

GT Asia Series: AAI Motorsports competing with three BMW cars.
Strong BMW line-up in the GT Asia Series: AAI Motorsports will be competing with three BMW GT3 race cars in 2017. After last year’s successful debut for the BMW M6 GT3 in the Asian Le Mans Series, the car will now be competing in sprint events. The team, led by Jun San Chen (TWN), will be challenging for wins and titles with a BMW Z4 GT3. “It is great to be returning to the sprint races in the GT Asia Series after our involvement in the endurance-oriented Asian Le Mans Series. Every fraction of a second can decide who is victorious,” said Chen. The GT Asia Series season starts on 7th March with two days of testing at the “Sepang International Circuit” in Malaysia (MYS), which is also where the first two races of the season will take place between 10 ^th and 12 ^th March.