Brno: BMW preview

Priaulx and Farfus look to continue BMW's run in Brno.

Munich, 26th July 2010. The first half of the FIA World Touring Car Championship drew to a close in Brands Hatch (GB). Rounds 13 and 14 of the series take BMW Team RBM to Brno (CZ) this coming weekend. The "Automotodrom Brno" has proven a very successful stomping ground for BMW in the past: six of the eight world championship races on the 5.403-kilometre circuit have been won by BMW drivers. Last year Augusto Farfus (BR) claimed pole position, with Andy Priaulx (GB) starting alongside him on the front row.

A classic, undulating track awaits BMW Team RBM in the Czech Republic. The corners require a flowing driving style, while the surface is smooth following resurfacing work in 2008. Numerous left-right combinations must be mastered. After the start/finish, the course heads downhill for almost three kilometres before the engine must do its stuff on the subsequent climb.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):
"In the past, the BMW 320si WTCC has always coped well in Brno. However, our performance in qualifying will be crucial. Recently our qualifying has not been as strong as our performance in the race on the Sunday. We will work hard to ensure our tyres work better for that one quick lap. Traditionally, the rolling start is also difficult for us. However, if we manage to get into a good position after the first lap, Andy and Augusto will be able to attack. The circuit in Brno offers some good overtaking opportunities."

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):
"In 2009 I made a mistake in Brno which cost a lot of points. I aim to confine this to the past. My plan is to claim pole position again, then convert it into a top result in both races. That Brno suits the BMW 320si WTCC has been proven in the past. I really like this circuit."

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):
"I am really looking forward to the races in Brno. The circuit definitely suits us, but I am not going to let this put me under any pressure. It doesn't do any good to aim for a certain result ahead of a weekend. The opposition is still very strong and Yvan Muller again extended his lead in the Drivers' Championship in Brands Hatch. Who knows though, maybe he will also finish out of the points some time soon, as has happened to me twice already this year. I will concentrate on my work and aim to score as many points as possible in Brno."

-source: bmw