Could this weekend's race – the last round of the 2011 DTM season at Hockenheim – be Bruno Spengler's final race with Mercedes-Benz?
For months, the rumour mill sends the Canadian to BMW, as the German car manufacturer prepares to return to the DTM series next season. Spengler, Mercedes-Benz and BMW refused to comment the matter, but several signs may tend to prove that Spengler could well join BMW for 2012.
Spengler has not yet tested the new 2012 C Coupé, Mercedes' new car for 2012. The development of the car has been given to Gary Paffett and Ralf Schumacher. In previous years, Spengler has always been involved in the testing of the newest machine.
Hiring the experienced Spengler would surely accelerate the pace of development of the new M3 DTM car. The car manufacturer would immensely benefit from the vast experience of the Canadian driver, especially since BMW’s works drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus have never raced in the DTM.
Additionally, Spengler is undoubtedly one of the most popular drivers in the DTM, a factor that should please the marketing and communication departments of BMW.
Spengler would also be happy to face a new challenge after having spent seven seasons with Mercedes, including six as a works driver for HWA. Spengler lost the title twice in the past two years following frustrating ends of seasons.
Last year, Spengler signed a one-year contract instead of a two-year agreement. So he is free to move on to BMW after this last race if he wants to.
His comments following the Valencia race when he lost the title say a lot.
“For me, it was a very positive experience. I enjoyed several outstanding moments with the team and we fought all together until the end. I wish to thank the team for its support all season long,” Spengler declared in his column posted on Auto123.com.
This sounds like “farewell my friends” to us...
For months, the rumour mill sends the Canadian to BMW, as the German car manufacturer prepares to return to the DTM series next season. Spengler, Mercedes-Benz and BMW refused to comment the matter, but several signs may tend to prove that Spengler could well join BMW for 2012.
Spengler has not yet tested the new 2012 C Coupé, Mercedes' new car for 2012. The development of the car has been given to Gary Paffett and Ralf Schumacher. In previous years, Spengler has always been involved in the testing of the newest machine.
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| Bruno Spengler, Mercedes. (Photo: DTM) |
Hiring the experienced Spengler would surely accelerate the pace of development of the new M3 DTM car. The car manufacturer would immensely benefit from the vast experience of the Canadian driver, especially since BMW’s works drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus have never raced in the DTM.
Additionally, Spengler is undoubtedly one of the most popular drivers in the DTM, a factor that should please the marketing and communication departments of BMW.
Spengler would also be happy to face a new challenge after having spent seven seasons with Mercedes, including six as a works driver for HWA. Spengler lost the title twice in the past two years following frustrating ends of seasons.
Last year, Spengler signed a one-year contract instead of a two-year agreement. So he is free to move on to BMW after this last race if he wants to.
His comments following the Valencia race when he lost the title say a lot.
“For me, it was a very positive experience. I enjoyed several outstanding moments with the team and we fought all together until the end. I wish to thank the team for its support all season long,” Spengler declared in his column posted on Auto123.com.
This sounds like “farewell my friends” to us...