Clearly we aren’t the only ones looking forward to following (if only via selected highlights) the 2012 DTM series. Following an exciting build-up to the opening event of the new season, some 142 000 fans passed through the turnstiles of the Hockenheimring Baden-Wurttemberg this past weekend (71 000 on race day alone) to watch the much anticipated start to the season.
With BMW making its long-awaited return to the series, this is the first time since 1992 that all of the ‘Big Three’ Teuton manufacturers (read Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) are represented on the starting grid.
Brit Gary Paffet, driving a Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM Coupe won the main race of the DTM weekend ahead of compatriot, and fellow Mercedes-Benz driver, Jamie Green. Mattias Ekstrom, driving an Audi A5 DTM, finished 3rd after starting from pole position.
BMW fans were given hope when Dirk Werner qualified his M3 in 3rd place on the gird, only to drop back off the start, before a collision with Ralf Schumacher ruined any chance of a fairytale podium place on debut. In the end, the highest placed BMW was that of Andy Priaulx who crossed the line in 6th place.
So, not an ideal start to the BMW comeback, but also no a disastrous one. It has to be said, if points were handed out to the best promotional video ahead of the new DTM season, BMW would be leading the way. Check out the video, which could be titled “potential”, below.
Clearly we aren’t the only ones looking forward to following (if only via selected highlights) the 2012 DTM series. Following an exciting build-up to the opening event of the new season, some 142 000 fans passed through the turnstiles of the Hockenheimring Baden-Wurttemberg this past weekend (71 000 on race day alone) to watch the much anticipated start to the season.
With BMW making its long-awaited return to the series, this is the first time since 1992 that all of the ‘Big Three’ Teuton manufacturers (read Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) are represented on the starting grid.
Brit Gary Paffet, driving a Mercedes-Benz C-Class DTM Coupe won the main race of the DTM weekend ahead of compatriot, and fellow Mercedes-Benz driver, Jamie Green. Mattias Ekstrom, driving an Audi A5 DTM, finished 3rd after starting from pole position.
BMW fans were given hope when Dirk Werner qualified his M3 in 3rd place on the gird, only to drop back off the start, before a collision with Ralf Schumacher ruined any chance of a fairytale podium place on debut. In the end, the highest placed BMW was that of Andy Priaulx who crossed the line in 6th place.
So, not an ideal start to the BMW comeback, but also no a disastrous one. It has to be said, if points were handed out to the best promotional video ahead of the new DTM season, BMW would be leading the way. Check out the video, which could be titled “potential”, below.