The BMW DTM drivers stopped in at BMW Plant Leipzig (DE) on their way to the eighth race of the DTM season in Oschersleben (DE). Bruno Spengler (CA), Dirk Werner (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Joey Hand (US), Martin Tomczyk (DE), Andy Priaulx (GB), Marco Wittmann (DE) and Timo Glock (DE) started their visit with an autograph session. Hundreds of BMW employees took the opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with the drivers.
The next highlight was a guided tour of the production facility for the BMW cars of tomorrow, the BMW i3 and the BMW i8. BMW i is all about visionary mobility concepts and a new interpretation of premium characteristics, with a strong focus on sustainability. The all-electric driven BMW i3 and plug-in hybrid sports car BMW i8 are built on the new assembly line in Leipzig. “It was really fascinating to get an insight into the technology of the future,” said Farfus. “BMW is setting new benchmarks with these visionary cars. Sooner or later, this technology will undoubtedly make its way into motorsport.”
A very special surprise awaited Farfus and his fellow DTM drivers at the end of what was a hugely successful day. They were taken to the plant’s own test site, where they were allowed to climb behind the wheel of a BMW i8 and take it for a spin. Thanks to the perfect synchronisation of electric and combustion engines, this is the first thoroughbred sports car with the same consumption and emission values as a compact car.
The DTM stars were fascinated by the car’s unique driving qualities. “It was exciting and interesting to drive this car. I was very impressed by the performance and acceleration,” said Glock after his test drive. “The electric and combustion engines work together perfectly. The technology used in the BMW i models is certainly ahead of its time. BMW has once again emphatically demonstrated its innovative prowess.”
This weekend, the eight BMW DTM drivers will be back on the racetrack in their BMW M3 DTMs at the “Motorsport Arena” in Oschersleben, about 150 kilometres from Leipzig. As the race for the titles in the Drivers’, Team and Manufacturers’ Championships reaches its climax, BMW Motorsport is looking for a repeat of last year’s success, when Spengler won the race in the Magdeburger Börde region of Germany.
