Magny-Cours: BMW preview

BMW determined to continue winning streak in Magny-Cours.

Munich, 24th April 2006. For rounds 3 and 4 of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), the BMW national teams are returning to a track on which they were able to celebrate many successes. At the Circuit de Nevers in Magny- Cours, BMW drivers have been able to win for three years running. Especially Jorg Muller (GER) of BMW Team Germany is a specialist when it comes to the 4.411 kilometre track. In 2003, the 36-year-old achieved a double victory in the European Touring Car Championship, and in 2005, he was able to repeat this triumph, when the WTCC visited the circuit in the heart of France for the first time.

Last year, Jorg Muller benefited from the fact that he was able to battle for world championship points without having to carry additional weight on board in Magny- Cours. The experienced driver will enter this year's races without any ballast once more, as will the two drivers of the BMW Team Italy-Spain, Alessandro Zanardi (ITA) and Marcel Costa (ESP). Following his victory at the first race of the season in Monza, reigning world champion Andy Priaulx (GBR) will be forced to take 45 kilograms of extra weight on board of his BMW 320si WTCC. BMW Team Germany driver Dirk Muller (GER), who came fourth in the first race of the season, is required to load ten additional kilograms.

Dirk Muller (BMW Team Germany):
"Obviously I am one of the few drivers who actually really like Magny-Cours. Since the beginning of my career I have always enjoyed coming here. The track layout is interesting and demanding. The track has its little obstacles, which you simply need to know of, if you want to achieve a top result. Of course it is a little difficult to get here but I don't waste my time thinking about things like that. Instead, I rather concentrate on the two races."

Jorg Muller (BMW Team Germany):
"I like Magny-Cours, even if I can't exactly explain why. Last year, I entered the event without any handicap weight, which naturally made the double victory easier. It is extremely fun to race on this track. The most important thing is to get through the chicanes well. For this purpose you need a chassis that enables you to drive over the kerbs with a lot of speed. The interaction between suspension, dampers and stabilisers has to work smoothly."

Charly Lamm (Team Manager, BMW Team Germany):
"Unlike in Monza, a track full of variety awaits us in Magny-Cours, where not only sheer engine power, but particularly the perfect set-up is important. The track surface is very even and allows a firm set-up. The grip conditions can, however, change within minutes if clouds block out the sun and temperatures lower. The spectators can look forward to many overtaking manoeuvres, particularly in the Adelaide hairpin at the end of the back straight."

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