The stage is set for a thrilling 24-hour race at the Nürburgring (DE): Team BMW Motorsport kicks off the weekend on Thursday. After an intensive phase of preparations, the two BMW M3 GT2 cars – one driven by Jörg Müller (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Uwe Alzen (DE) and Pedro Lamy (PT), and the other by Dirk Werner (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Andy Priaulx (GB) and Dirk Adorf (DE) – face the challenge of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife.
Jörg Müller (Car Number 25):
“We know that we are competitive. I can hardly wait for the race, and am very confident. Of course, it depends on the stability of the car. However, we looked good in that sense during the preparations. Our performance has also been god, so there is no reason why we should not have a successful weekend here. Having said that, we also know that anything can happen in a 24-hour race.”
Augusto Farfus (Car Number 25):
“It is hard to find the right words to describe how a driver feels about the Nordschleife. The special allure of this circuit goes beyond anything else. You have to drive there yourself to fully understand the myth of the Nordschleife. I am a huge fan of this circuit. Real motorsport fans feel at home here. We will do everything in our power to get a good result here.”
Uwe Alzen (Car Number 25):
“The great thing about the Nürburgring is that the fans get so close to the drivers, and there is a real relationship between those involved in the race and the spectators. I remember well the last BMW outings on the Nordschleife with the predecessor to our BMW M3 GT2. In 2004 and 2005 the team produced a perfect performance. I hope we can achieve that this year too.”
Pedro Lamy (Car Number 25):
“The race is finally just around the corner. The 24-hour races at the Nürburgring are always magnificent events, and it is always great fun being here. It goes without saying that I want to win again, but we are up against some tough competition. However, we are well prepared for this race. If we do not experience any reliability problems, we should be able to challenge for one of the top positions.”
Dirk Werner (Car Number 26):
“We have a chance of battling it out on the front end of the grid. That is an exciting starting point for a driver at a race like this. I am delighted to be able to race at this classic for a brand with as much tradition as BMW. I am sure we can count on huge support from the spectators.”
Dirk Müller (Car Number 26):
“It is simply great fun lining up in the BMW M3 GT2. To drive at a legendary race like this on the Nordschleife makes a driver’s heart beat faster. The circuit is a big challenge for the entire team. Everything must fit together perfectly. We are rising to this challenge – hopefully we’ll be rewarded for our efforts.”
Andy Priaulx (Car Number 26):
“It is incredibly difficult to adjust to the Nordschleife. There are so many variables. One thing is clear though: mistakes are punished much more severely there than on any other circuit. For that reason you must keep your concentration at all times in the cockpit. I have already won with the BMW M3 GTR at the Nürburgring, and am now extremely motivated to be up there at the front of the field with the BMW M3 GT2. The car has what it takes to follow on from the great BMW successes of the past at 24-hour races.”
Dirk Adorf (Car Number 26):
“I am really looking forward to this race. For me, it is the absolute highlight of the season. It is a shame that the weather has not played ball yet. I can put myself in the shoes of the fans, some of whom have been at the circuit for days already. For that reason, I hope the conditions improve. We have completed an extensive preparation phase and are well prepared for the race.”
Schedule for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
13th May 2010 13:00-14:30hrs Free practice
13th May 2010 19:30-23:30hrs Qualifying 1
14th May 2010 12:45-14:45hrs Qualifying 2
15thMay 2010 15:00hrs Start 24-hour race
16thMay 2010 15:00hrs Finish 24-hour race
