Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

DTM: Bruno Spengler ready for the opening round in Hockenheim

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) is looking forward to competing in the the first round of the 2012 DTM season to be held this weekend at the Hockenheimring in Germany.

There is no doubt that this will be a very special moment for the Canadian driver when he will be driving his BMW M3 DTM during the first test free practice session on Friday.

For the first time in his career, Spengler will not be driving a Mercedes DTM car but a BMW as the German car manufacturer is making a return to the DTM this season.

BMW DTM Bruno Spengler
Bruno Spengler, BMW M3. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

Spengler quickly adapted to his new team, and to his new car, despite the fact that the BMW M3 is quite different from his Mercedes of last year.

The new technical regulations ask for a new look (lower cars, larger tires, less winglets, paddle shift device, etc). After having completed thousands of kilometers in the new BMW M3 DTM in pre-season tests, Spengler is happy to start the competition.

"The winter break was very long," said Spengler to Auto123.com.

"I’m very happy to be back in race mode this week end in Hockenheim. Of course, we would have preferred to do more tests in order to fine tune the M3 DTM before its maiden race, but I guess it’s the same for the other teams. Anyway, it’s always difficult to know where we are in terms of lap times, and to compare our performances to those of Audi and Mercedes, as each team had its own development program during the collective tests. It’s only after the qualifying on Saturday that we will know who is fast, and who is not."


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada