Brands Hatch: BMW preview

Priaulx looking forward to home race as BMW Team RBM travels to Brands Hatch. Munich, 13th July 2010. The FIA World Touring Car Championship throws up another highlight for BMW Team RBM this coming weekend. Together with team- mate Augusto Farfus ...

Priaulx looking forward to home race as BMW Team RBM travels to Brands Hatch.

Munich, 13th July 2010. The FIA World Touring Car Championship throws up another highlight for BMW Team RBM this coming weekend. Together with team- mate Augusto Farfus (BR), triple World Champion Andy Priaulx (GB) will take to the track in front of his home fans.

Both drivers go into rounds 11 and 12 of the season full of confidence, as the BMW 320si WTCC has proven its potential at the iconic track just south of London on several occasions in the past: BMW has won three out of eight races so far held in Brands Hatch, and the manufacturer also has many fastest laps to its name. In 2008, Farfus started from pole position in the county of Kent.

On this circuit, which is perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape, nothing is symmetrical, starting with the first corner, Paddock Hill, which plunges downwards. The outfield, featuring four fast right-handers, is equally challenging for drivers.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):
"Traditionally, the BMW 320si WTCC performs very well at Brands Hatch. We use the shorter rear-axle transmission there, which suits us. Last year both Andy and Augusto started the first race from the second row, which just goes to show how well they get to grips with Brands Hatch and like the circuit. We will try to get both cars in the top eight in qualifying, so we can then attack during the race. It goes without saying this is a special event for Andy. After the long and successful cooperation with BMW UK, the races in Great Britain are also very special for our team."

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):
"I scored a victory in Brands Hatch last year. I was on pole position in 2008. So this circuit is definitely one that suits me. I'm really happy we will now finally compete on a track that should be good for our car. It was good to pick up points in both races in Portimão. However, I obviously want to get back onto the podium. Hopefully I'll manage precisely that at Brands Hatch."

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):
"I really love this circuit -- and not only because I enjoy a home advantage at Brands Hatch, which I consider to be a bit of a mini Nurburgring-Nordschleife. Overtaking can be difficult, and mistakes are easily made. Brands Hatch looks back on a long tradition, which you can really feel. I can't think of a single driver who does not look forward to this event. We are on a roll and so I am hoping to keep this positive momentum to give all British fans something to cheer about on that weekend."