The countdown is on: BMW Motorsport concludes preparations for the new season with the DTM Media Day in Hockenheim.

In total, the two BMW teams RMG and RBM completed 880 laps of the 4.574 kilometre-long Hockenheimring circuit. DTM champion Marco Wittmann (GER), Augusto Farfus (BRA), Tom Blomqvist (GBR), Timo Glock (GER), Maxime Martin (BEL) and Bruno Spengler (CAN) all had a chance to get behind the wheel of the cars that deliver over 500 HP. The teams also used the tests to get used to the new procedures for pit stops. The combined “RMR” car crew also practised working together at the race track.

“The stage is set for a great DTM season,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “You could sense a real upbeat mood at today’s Media Day in Hockenheim. It was a fantastic feeling. Just like the fans, we are really looking forward to the season finally starting. From a competition point of view, we have learned a lot again on this final stretch of the season preparation. Every lap of the Hockenheimring is extremely useful to help us prepare perfectly for the curtain raiser. We did not do as much driving as we had hoped but tests are there to gather experience. I am confident that the new technical regulations and the changes that have been made to the sporting regulations will ensure that we enjoy 18 thrilling races.”

Wittmann starts the season as defending champion and is counting the days until the first race. “It was a long winter break - but the break is not boring if you are the champion. These final tests were really important. It is always better to be able to sort out any difficulties with the new car during preparation, instead of on the first race day. And it is great to conclude the test by setting the fastest lap time on the final afternoon. So, I am really optimistic for the start of the season. The anticipation is growing with every passing day.”