DTM finale at Hockenheim: BMW teams eager to end season on a high

Races 19 and 20 this weekend at Hockenheim (GER) draw the 2018 DTM season to a close. BMW M Motorsport and the BMW DTM teams are aiming to head into the winter break on a high. Marco Wittmann (GER) and Timo Glock (GER) are still fighting for a top-five place in the driver’s standings. Philipp Eng (AUT) and Joel Eriksson (SWE) could finish as the best rookie of the season. As part of the race weekend, BMW M brand ambassador Lena Gercke (GER) will be in attendance.

Quotes ahead of the DTM season finale at the Hockenheimring.

Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):

“For the grand finale of the 2018 DTM, we return to Hockenheim where we witnessed a spectacular race weekend at the start of the season. The duel between the victorious Timo Glock and Gary Paffett really was exceptional. And that’s exactly how we want to take our leave from the DTM fans for the winter break: with breath-taking duels and high emotions. It goes without saying that a win like at the 2017 finale would be terrific added motivation for us through the break from racing. For the time being, the Hockenheimring will be the last time that we take on our rivals at Mercedes in the DTM. This farewell makes the coming weekend all the more special.”

Stefan Reinhold (Team Principal BMW Team RMG):

“At Hockenheim, our team ends its seventh season in the DTM. With Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock, we have already brought home three wins and have both drivers in the top six in the driver’s standings. Augusto Farfus has also given good performances this season, and has made it onto the podium. Even though we sadly won’t be fighting for the title at the season finale, we have done well. Huge thanks go to my team for their outstanding work during the season and thanks to BMW for the excellent collaboration this year. Now we want to really go for it with success once again in the final two races.”

Marco Wittmann (#11 BMW Driving Experience M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG – 4th place in the overall standings, points: 143):

“I will give it my all to end a mixed season on a high at Hockenheim. Last year I managed to head into the winter break with a win. It will be difficult to achieve that again since our rivals have been very strong in recent races. Nevertheless, my aim is to finish the weekend with at least a podium under my belt.”

Augusto Farfus (#15 Shell BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMG – 16th place in the overall standings, points: 50):

“I think that the final weekend of the season will be very emotional in view of Mercedes’ farewell. My aim is to finish what has been a difficult season for all BMW drivers with a smile. We’ll push hard to have another positive race weekend to finish.”

Timo Glock (#16 DEUTSCHE POST BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR – 6th place in the overall standings, points: 127):

“My main hope for the season finale is that it will be a full house and a great show for the fans. We were very strong at the Hockenheim season opener, but I think that we need to be realistic. Our rivals have become much stronger since the races in May so it will be difficult to repeat the fantastic results from back then. But it goes without saying that we will give it our best shot.”

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal BMW Team RBM):

“Going into the finale at Hockenheim, we look back on a season in which all of our drivers consistently delivered strong performances and made it onto the podium. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to still be in with a chance of fighting for the title, but Philipp Eng and Joel Eriksson are still in with a chance of being the best rookie of the season. We want to end the year with strong results and head into the winter break feeling good; that would be what my team deserves for their fantastic dedication throughout the entire season.”

Bruno Spengler (#7 BMW Bank M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM – 12th place in the overall standings, points: 75):

“After the difficult Spielberg weekend, I hope that the weekend at Hockenheim will see us return to the strength that we had there at the start of the season. That will be the big challenge. Generally, I am really looking forward to the fabulous fans that always come to Hockenheim. The fight for the title is still open, so the spectators have two exciting races in store.”

Philipp Eng (#25 SAMSUNG BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RMR – 9th place in the overall standings, points: 98):

“I haven’t finished on the podium since Budapest. It goes without saying that I would love to make up for that at Hockenheim. It is also my goal to finish the season as the best rookie. Unfortunately, I wasn’t all that successful at the opening weekend. Hopefully things will be different this time around.”

Joel Eriksson (#47 BMW M4 DTM, BMW Team RBM – 13th place in the overall standings, points: 70):

“I have learnt a great deal during my rookie season in the DTM, and seen how difficult it is to be successful here right from the start. I had a good pace at the last race weekend at Spielberg, and the season opener at Hockenheim was pretty successful for BMW and me, which is why I am hoping to be able to end the season on another high. I really love the track, so the conditions should be good.”