From BMW
Canadian Bruno Spengler gave his first interview as a member of the BMW DTM team.
“What were your first impressions on your first day working for BMW?”
Bruno Spengler: “My first contact with the team came at the test in Monteblanco. I have to admit that I was very nervous ahead of the test. After all, I was going to meet a completely new car and new people. I really enjoyed the test. It was just great to see the enormous amount of motivation on display from all those involved in the BMW DTM project.”
“What were your reasons for switching to BMW?”
Bruno Spengler: “I was very successful at Mercedes-Benz. I claimed victories and pole positions, and narrowly missed out on winning the championship on four occasions. At this point, I would like to thank Mercedes-Benz for the support they gave me over the last few years – and for giving me a start in the DTM back then. However, moving to BMW is a new challenge for me. To be part of a project like this from the very beginning, and to work with a completely new team and one of the largest automobile brands in the world – that is very interesting and exciting for a racing driver like me. That was the main reason for my move. I also got on very well with BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt right from the word go. It is a real pleasure to see the motivation shown by everyone involved. I am looking forward to the future and am very proud to be representing BMW.”
“You have already completed some test sessions with the BMW M3 DTM. What do you think of the car?”
Bruno Spengler: “Generally speaking, the 2012 cars are quite different to those we have driven in the past. For example, they produce less downforce and have a different chassis. My first impression was that the BMW M3 DTM is already very good. We obviously have more work ahead of us, but we have another couple of tests before the start of the season. We will be working hard to ensure we are as well equipped as possible for the first race. However, we always take things one step at a time – right now I am looking forward to this week's test in Monteblanco.”
“What can you do to help make the return of BMW to the DTM a success?”
Bruno Spengler: “I am always wary about expectations. I like to keep both feet on the ground and simply do my best right from the word go. However, I have great faith in the BMW brand. BMW has always been successful in motorsport – in the WTCC and every other series they are represented in. BMW is a brand that is mad about motorsport and lives for racing. Everyone is unbelievably motivated. We all want to move forward and try to win races and championships. That is why I believe that we will be successful. It is hard to say exactly when that will happen. Maybe soon, maybe a bit later – we'll see.!
“Are race wins or even the championship definite goals for the 2012 season?”
Bruno Spengler: “As a racing driver and as a team you always want to win races as soon as possible. With that in mind, our goal is to challenge at the front of the field, finish on the podium, and start winning races as quickly as possible. Before we can even start thinking about that, however, we must first concentrate on the preparations and work our way through the winter programme. The team still has little experience when it comes to pit stops and race strategies. These are all new things that play an important role. For that reason, we must first be well prepared before we can set ourselves the goal of winning the championship. It goes without saying, however, that we would like to finish as high up as possible straight away.”
“How will you be spending the weeks running up to the end of the year?”
Bruno Spengler: “This week we will be testing again in Monteblanco. After that we will all meet up for a day at BMW in Munich. In the week before Christmas I will fly to Canada to visit my family and friends for a few days. Then I return to Europe. I will celebrate Christmas and New Year here with my parents.”
Canadian Bruno Spengler gave his first interview as a member of the BMW DTM team.
“What were your first impressions on your first day working for BMW?”
Bruno Spengler: “My first contact with the team came at the test in Monteblanco. I have to admit that I was very nervous ahead of the test. After all, I was going to meet a completely new car and new people. I really enjoyed the test. It was just great to see the enormous amount of motivation on display from all those involved in the BMW DTM project.”
“What were your reasons for switching to BMW?”
Bruno Spengler: “I was very successful at Mercedes-Benz. I claimed victories and pole positions, and narrowly missed out on winning the championship on four occasions. At this point, I would like to thank Mercedes-Benz for the support they gave me over the last few years – and for giving me a start in the DTM back then. However, moving to BMW is a new challenge for me. To be part of a project like this from the very beginning, and to work with a completely new team and one of the largest automobile brands in the world – that is very interesting and exciting for a racing driver like me. That was the main reason for my move. I also got on very well with BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt right from the word go. It is a real pleasure to see the motivation shown by everyone involved. I am looking forward to the future and am very proud to be representing BMW.”
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| Bruno Spengler in the BMW M3 DTM. |
“You have already completed some test sessions with the BMW M3 DTM. What do you think of the car?”
Bruno Spengler: “Generally speaking, the 2012 cars are quite different to those we have driven in the past. For example, they produce less downforce and have a different chassis. My first impression was that the BMW M3 DTM is already very good. We obviously have more work ahead of us, but we have another couple of tests before the start of the season. We will be working hard to ensure we are as well equipped as possible for the first race. However, we always take things one step at a time – right now I am looking forward to this week's test in Monteblanco.”
“What can you do to help make the return of BMW to the DTM a success?”
Bruno Spengler: “I am always wary about expectations. I like to keep both feet on the ground and simply do my best right from the word go. However, I have great faith in the BMW brand. BMW has always been successful in motorsport – in the WTCC and every other series they are represented in. BMW is a brand that is mad about motorsport and lives for racing. Everyone is unbelievably motivated. We all want to move forward and try to win races and championships. That is why I believe that we will be successful. It is hard to say exactly when that will happen. Maybe soon, maybe a bit later – we'll see.!
“Are race wins or even the championship definite goals for the 2012 season?”
Bruno Spengler: “As a racing driver and as a team you always want to win races as soon as possible. With that in mind, our goal is to challenge at the front of the field, finish on the podium, and start winning races as quickly as possible. Before we can even start thinking about that, however, we must first concentrate on the preparations and work our way through the winter programme. The team still has little experience when it comes to pit stops and race strategies. These are all new things that play an important role. For that reason, we must first be well prepared before we can set ourselves the goal of winning the championship. It goes without saying, however, that we would like to finish as high up as possible straight away.”
“How will you be spending the weeks running up to the end of the year?”
Bruno Spengler: “This week we will be testing again in Monteblanco. After that we will all meet up for a day at BMW in Munich. In the week before Christmas I will fly to Canada to visit my family and friends for a few days. Then I return to Europe. I will celebrate Christmas and New Year here with my parents.”