BMW Motorsport News – Issue 17/2017.

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, 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. That way, you are always up to speed.

ADAC GT Masters: Three questions for ... Charly Lamm.

Mr. Lamm, you picked up your first win in the ADAC GT Masters on the opening weekend: How would you sum up that achievement?

Charly Lamm: “We are currently in an intense phase – the preparations for the Nürburgring 24 Hours and entering the ADAC GT Masters is very demanding for us as a team. That makes us all the happier to have claimed a victory on the opening weekend. We really did not expect that. However, we are delighted that the team’s hard work has paid off.”

In Philipp Eng and Ricky Collard, you have two new drivers in the team. How have the two drivers settled in?

Lamm: “Despite having very little time, both Philipp and Ricky have settled into the team very well. Philipp is a real asset to our team – with his experience and prudence, he is the perfect team-mate for Ricky. Ricky had even less time to find his feet, but did so superbly and has handled himself like a real pro from the word go. We are pleased to have two such talented and fantastic drivers in the team.”

You will be running the BMW M6 GT3 regularly this season: what is your impression of the car so far?

Lamm: “We are really happy with the work with the BMW M6 GT3 so far. BMW Motorsport has developed an outstanding car, and we are looking forward to competing with a top car. Following our first win in the ADAC GT Masters, we are now hoping to continue this run of success. We are definitely well positioned to do so with the BMW M6 GT3.”

--

BMW Motorsport Days: BMW works drivers visit BMW Welt.
Just a few days before the opening round of the DTM in Hockenheim (GER), visitors to BMW Welt in Munich (GER) have been getting in the mood for the new season. The 2017 BMW Motorsport Days feature an entertaining programme for the public to enjoy and take part in. As well as feasting their eyes on a host of exhibition cars visitors, large and small, can also experience motorsport for themselves. Whether on a taxi ride in the BMW M2, a lap in the BMW M4 DTM simulator, or an exciting race with radio-controlled BMW models, racing fans are in for a real treat at BMW Welt. The highlight of the three-day event was Sunday’s autograph session with BMW DTM drivers Marco Wittmann (GER), Augusto Farfus (BRA), Bruno Spengler (CAN) and Tom Blomqvist (GBR). GT drivers Martin Tomczyk (GER) and Timo Scheider (GER) who took time out for the visitors to BMW Welt. Motorsport enthusiasts have until 1^st May to check out the BMW Motorsport Days.

BMW Driving Experience: Wittmann gives participants in the Allgäu-Orient Rally a special training session.

Training with the champion: members of the 5ever team, which will take part in the Allgäu-Orient Rally this year, were put through their paces in a very special practice session last week. The six-man team was at the BMW and MINI Driving Academy in Maisach (GER) for a comprehensive driving and safety training course, courtesy of DTM champion Marco Wittmann (GER) and the instructors from the BMW Driving Experience. They took it in turns to complete laps in the BMW 520i Touring and the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, during which they were given valuable tips from two-time DTM champion Wittmann. The Allgäu-Orient Rally is held every May. It takes participants 6,666 kilometres from the Allgäu region of Bavaria to Jordan. The cars must be at least 20 years old, or worth a maximum of 1,111 Euros. Furthermore, the teams may not use any navigation devices. BMW Group is supporting the 5ever team. The Allgäu-Orient Rally begins in Oberstaufen (GER) on 7^th May.

International GT Open: Season-opener in Estoril.

The 2017 International GT Open season kicked off this weekend with two races in Estoril (POR). In the thick of the action were BMW Team Teo Martín and BMW works driver António Félix da Costa (POR). The team entered three BMW M6 GT3s – two in the Pro class and one in the Am class – in the two races. Félix da Costa and his team-mate Lourenço Beirão (POR) finished seventh overall with the number 51 BMW M6 GT3 in Saturday’s opening race. Race two on Sunday was less successful for the duo, as Félix da Costa was forced to retire whilst running third. The number 65 car, with Fran Rueda (ESP) and Victor Bouveng (SWE) at the wheel, came home eleventh and tenth. Filipe Barreiros and Francisco Guedes (both POR), who were driving the number 62 car in the Am class, finished third and fourth in their category.

Pirelli World Challenge: Two podiums in the TC class.
Successful weekend for the BMW teams at the Virginia International Raceway (USA): Six BMW M235i Racings finished in the top ten in race one of the Touring Car class in the Pirelli World Challenge. Greg Liefooghe (USA) of the Stephen Cameron Racing team and ST Racing driver Nick Wittmer (CAN) finished second and third to take their place on the podium. In total, 15 BMW M235i Racings took part in the first race of the weekend. The second race had not been completed at the time of writing.

Italian GT Championship: Two sixth places for BMW Team Italia.

The Italian GT Championship also contested its first races of the season this weekend. BMW Team Italia and its two drivers Stefano Comandini and Alberto Cerqui (both ITA) raced the BMW M6 GT3 in Imola (ITA). The duo started both Saturday and Sunday’s races from eighth on the grid, and twice managed to climb two places to finish sixth. The second race weekend of the season will take place from 2^nd to 4^th June in Misano (ITA).