The 2011 racing season might be coming to a close but that does not mean teams can relax as they have to continue testing and developing their cars throughout the year. Testing is even more crucial for all-new teams and cars.
BMW Motorsport, which is all set to return to DTM racing after many years away from the exciting race series, has spent many months developing its all-new M3 DTM as it gets ready for the 2012 DTM championship in Europe.
It has just completed another successful three-day test at the EuroSpeedway Laustiz, in Germany. Three of the wild-looking cars completed a total of over 1100 laps in mixed weather conditions.
Three non-BMW drivers, René Rast (DE), Jean-Karl Vernay (FR) and Richie Stanaway (NZ) were also given the chance to test the BMW M3 DTM cars alongside the four regular BMW works drivers.
Jean-Karl Vernay said, “It was great to be here and have the opportunity to test the BMW DTM car. It was my first real test in a touring car. The BMW M3 DTM is amazing; it has so much grip and downforce. I think that my lap times were okay; I was able to improve them as the test progressed. I had a great feeling for the car.”
Coming all the way from New Zealand, Richie Stanaway said “This test was a great experience for me. Ever since I was young I have always wanted to drive a DTM car. It was great to experience what it was like, to work in such a professional environment, and to see the way the team operates. The difference between a Formula car and a DTM car is quite big. It weighs nearly twice as much and the downforce level, the corner speed and the braking points are different to Formula 3. As such, I had to adjust my driving style a little bit. But I think that my performance was quite solid.”
The M3DTMs are still painted in a trick camouflage paint scheme. It’s a pity they can’t stay this way as they sure look dramatic.
Related posts:
- BMW Tests the All-New M3 DTM Race Cars
- BMW Concept Unveiled: 2012 BMW M3 DTM
- BMW TV Releases M3 DTM Concept Video
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