BMW makes Historic Victory in Brno

01.08.2010 Press Release

Brno, 1st August 2010. His fifth win of the FIA World Touring Car Championship season in Brno (CZ) not only saw BMW Team RBM’s Andy Priaulx (GB) making up ground on the leaders in the Drivers’ Championship, but also writing history: in the 14th race of the year, the triple world champion clocked up the 50th BMW victory in the World Touring Car Championship since 2005. In the first race of the day, Priaulx fought his way from 11th to fifth place to score more World Championship points with Chevrolet’s Robert Huff (GB) emerging as the eventual race winner.

Priaulx’s team-mate Augusto Farfus (BR) was also able to add to his points tally at the “Automotodrom Brno”, finishing in fourth and fifth places respectively. BMW privateer Colin Turkington (GB), driving for Team ebay Motors, finished runner-up in race two to stand alongside Priaulx on the podium and completed an excellent overall result for BMW in the Czech Republic.

Priaulx now stands at 183 points in the Drivers’ Championship, earning him third in this classification. However, the gap to championship leader Yvan Muller (FR/Chevrolet), who left Brno empty-handed, was reduced to 16 points. Farfus is in seventh place on 109 points.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal ) :

“In the first race, both cars were involved in minor collisions, but were able to continue without any problems. Augusto held his ground in fourth place, but was not able to launch an attack on the podium positions. Andy produced a very good first race. Fifth place was the best he could possibly have hoped for. The second race obviously went a lot better from our point of view. After an outstanding start and his overtaking manoeuvre to pass Colin Turkington, Andy had the race well under control. Unfortunately Augusto had no opportunity to make up any positions. The fact that Andy secured the 50th victory in the WTCC for BMW is fantastic. It is particularly great, as we have reached this milestone in an important phase of the championship. The 50th win underlines BMW’s commitment to touring car racing.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11 ) :

Race 1: 5th, 2:13.903 min – Race 2: 1st, 2:12.929 min – Car weight: 1,198 kg

“We were optimistic coming into the race weekend in Brno. However, the situation looked a bit different after qualifying. We worked hard overnight, and this paid off. The car was very good in both races. I am very happy to be leaving with so many points and to have taken a big step forward in the championship thanks to the retirements of Gabriele and Yvan. Obviously it is very special to claim the 50th victory for BMW in the WTCC. However, we must take another step forward in order to challenge for the championship at the end of the season.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10 ) :

Race 1: 4th, 2:12.167 min – Race 2: 5th, 2:12.993 min – Car weight: 1,198 kg

“I am happy to at least take some points away from Brno. They were tough races with a lot of duels, but were also great fun. From a BMW point of view, this WTCC Sunday ran as well as could be hoped. Congratulations to Andy, who secured BMW’s 50th victory in the World Touring Car Championship.”

Colin Turkington (Car Number 29 ) :

Race 1: 6th, 2:13.647 min – Race 2: 2nd, 2:13.440 min – Weight: 1,133 kg

“I am very happy with how this weekend has turned out, particularly as this was my first race at this circuit. I got off to a very good start in the second race. After Andy had overtaken me, I concentrated on keeping Alan Menu behind me – which I managed to do. It goes without saying that I am proud to have been part of a BMW one-two, especially as it is BMW’s 50th victory in the WTCC.”