Zolder: BMW preview

BMW Team RBM aims to continue upward trend at home event.

Munich, 15th June 2010. This coming weekend Belgium's "Circuit Zolder" will make its debut in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. When BMW Team RBM -- based in Mechelen (BE) -- appears in front of its home fans, it will be hoping to follow on from the good results achieved in Marrakech (MA) and Monza (IT). Andy Priaulx (GB) was able to win a race at both of these events, while Augusto Farfus (BR) finished runner-up in Italy to complete a BMW one-two. In rounds seven and eight of the championship, both BMW 320si WTCC cars will carry 20 kilograms of compensation weight.

Both Priaulx and Farfus were in action for Team BMW Motorsport at last weekend's Le Mans 24 Hours (FR). While Farfus and team-mates Jorg Muller (DE) and Uwe Alzen (DE) finished sixth in the LM GT2 class with the BMW M3 GT2, the BMW M3 GT2 Art Car, designed by American artist Jeff Koons, failed to complete the race. The drivers were Priaulx, Dirk Werner (DE) and Dirk Muller (DE).

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):
"After the wins in Marrakech and Monza, we now move on to a new circuit on the World Touring Car Championship calendar. We hope, of course, we can be equally successful in Zolder. We tested there in 2009, which has given us a few clues for the fourth race weekend of the year. That is important, as Zolder is a circuit where the set-up is vitally important. There are many load-cycle changes and the cars must travel well over the kerbs. It is very difficult to predict the balance of power. This is a home race for our team, so we will see a lot of familiar faces there. We will be doing everything in our power to thank BMW Belux for the many years of support with a good result."

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):
"After an eventful week in Le Mans, I am now looking forward to racing in Zolder for the first time with BMW Team RBM. I have driven a single-seater there back in 2001, but never a touring car. The data the team collected during testing last year should help us to find the basic set-up. My goal is to score as many points as possible and to close the gap to the leading group in the Drivers' Championship."

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):
"Zolder is a home race for BMW Team RBM. The lads are certain to bring their family and friends to the track, and are reckoning on a lot of support from the fans. The circuit is a challenge and the brakes, in particular, are put under great strain there. There are a few good overtaking opportunities where the Belgian fans will hopefully get to see a lot of action."

-source: bmw