BMW National Teams Conclude European WTCC Season In Monza
This weekend, Monza (IT) hosts the final event of the FIA World Touring Car Championship’s European leg. The BMW national team drivers face a huge challenge if they are to improve their positions in the championship ahead of the last four overseas races of the year. In 2007 the BMW 320si WTCC had a massive disadvantage compared to the competition using diesel engines on Monza’s long straights. It is expected to be the same this year.
Following the difficult race weekend in Imola (IT), the handicap weights of the BMW drivers can be calculated using a simple formula: Apart from BMW Team Germany’s Jörg Müller (DE), who will be carrying 62 kilograms in the two sprint races, all the BMW aces will have exactly the same number of kilos on board as their respective number of points. Therefore, BMW Team UK’s Andy Priaulx (GB) races with 55 extra kilograms, while Müller’s team-mate, Augusto Farfus (BR), carries 46 additional kilograms. BMW Team Italy-Spain drivers Félix Porteiro (ES) and Alessandro Zanardi (IT) contest the event with 50 and 29 kilograms of extra weight respectively.
Andy Priaulx (BMW Team UK):
“I like Monza as it is a great track with lots of history. I also gave the BMW 320si WTCC its first win there. I know the weekend is not going to be easy for any of us, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be driving as hard as I can. I shall never give up on this championship until I know without any doubt I cannot win it.”
Jörg Müller (BMW Team Germany):
“When we traveled to Imola, we didn’t have high hopes of a good result. But then I walked away with nine points in the bag. Who knows, maybe we will achieve something comparable in Monza. However, this won’t be an easy task. On the long straights, especially, the SEAT diesels will once again benefit from their extra power.”
Augusto Farfus (BMW Team Germany):
“I like the circuit because of its tradition. However, it’s not really challenging for us drivers. Compared to Imola I have got less weight in the car – and I hope this will pay off on the ultra-long straights. In 2006 I claimed victory in the Royal Park, but it will be really difficult to repeat this.”
Félix Porteiro (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“I have fully recovered from my Imola accident. The neck pain I suffered after hitting Gabriele Tarquini’s car soon gave way to disappointment about having to leave the track empty-handed. In Monza I want to be successful again and score some good points for BMW.”
Alessandro Zanardi (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“I really like the Monza circuit, although I wouldn’t call it my favourite. Especially with touring cars, we spend too much time down the straights where drivers cannot affect the performance of the car other than drafting each other. In the other end, it’s exiting to challenge your rivals in the braking areas.”
