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29.06.2009
BMW expects difficult WTCC centenary meeting in Porto.Following three consecutive victories, BMW this weekend goes to Porto, which marks the start of the second half of the FIA World Touring Car Championship. Thanks to BMW Team Italy-Spain’s Alessandro Zanardi and Sergio Hernández claiming a victory each in Brno, the present points’ score of 153 puts BMW just eight points adrift of SEAT’s tally. |
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| In the drivers’ classification the five BMW national team drivers are close. After a disappointing weekend for him in the Czech Republic, Augusto Farfus (BR), from BMW Team Germany, is determined to ratchet up the pressure on points’ leader Yvan Muller (FR/SEAT). The Brazilian’s team-mate, Jörg Müller (DE), BMW Team UK’s Andy Priaulx (GB) and the BMW Team Italy-Spain duo also intend making up ground in the drivers’ rankings.
However, the BMW drivers face a difficult mission in the 99th and 100th rounds since the WTCC started in 2005. Farfus, Müller, Priaulx and Hernández take 40 kilograms of compensation weight onboard their cars, while their rivals at the wheel of the SEAT cars with turbo diesel engines and 2.7 bar boost pressure race with no ballast and should be able to make full use of their advantage in Porto. Andy Priaulx (BMW Team UK): “The Porto track is a classic street circuit. It has long straights and some strange chicanes. Overtaking manoeuvres are difficult. However, the event in 2007 was great, with huge numbers of spectators streaming into the circuit. It was also a sporting success for me: I was able to take a debut victory.” Jörg Müller (BMW Team Germany): “The races in 2007 were thrilling. I had a great duel with Andy Priaulx, and finished in the runner-up position on the podium. I love street circuits, and Porto is without doubt one of the most attractive ones. It is not as narrow as other circuits of this kind, but has both slow and quick sectors. This is a perfect combination.” Augusto Farfus (BMW Team Germany): “Although we were in Porto in 2007, I view the circuit as a newcomer on the calendar as some changes have been made to its layout. I am looking forward to the race. In Portugal I feel as though I am at home. After my mistake in Brno I intend scoring points again.” Alessandro Zanardi (BMW Team Italy-Spain): “In Porto it won’t be easy for us. Although I basically like the circuit, it is hardly the perfect layout for BMW. But after my victory in Brno I am naturally highly motivated to post another good result.” Sergio Hernández (BMW Team Italy-Spain): “Two years ago Porto was not that good to me as I was involved in numerous incidents. Now I have more experience and have noticed that street circuits are increasingly to my liking. It’s a great feeling to race at the centenary meeting as a fresh winner.” |
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