Tag Archives: Lausitzring

BMW

DTM: BMW M Motorsport teams earn points at the Lausitzring – René Rast’s 100th DTM race

Overall, the BMW M Motorsport teams faced a challenging DTM weekend at the Lausitzring. In Saturday’s race, defending champion Sheldon van der Linde finished in fifth place, his teammate René Rast in eighth, and Marco Wittmann in tenth, earning important points. However, problems during Sunday’s qualifying session forced the BMW M Motorsport drivers to start from the back of the grid. Despite this setback, Wittmann delivered an exceptional recovery performance. Additionally, Rast celebrated his 100th DTM race, a remarkable achievement that includes three title wins.

Although the BMW M4 GT3 struggled to keep up with the leaders at the Lausitzring, van der Linde, Rast, and Wittmann performed well in Saturday’s qualifying session, securing fifth, eighth, and tenth positions respectively for the race. Sunday’s qualifying session proved to be more challenging due to a red flag five minutes before its end. This interruption prevented the drivers from getting their tires to the right temperature for the restart, resulting in Rast starting from 15th, van der Linde from 21st, and Wittmann from 22nd on the grid. However, the BMW M works drivers demonstrated great determination during the race, delivering impressive recovery performances. Wittmann particularly stood out by advancing from 22nd to ninth place, although a post-race time penalty demoted him to tenth. Rast finished in eleventh place, while van der Linde claimed thirteenth. Sandro Holzem also had a solid performance in his second DTM weekend, securing seventeenth and eighteenth places driving the second BMW M4 GT3 from the Project 1 team

Here are some reactions to the DTM weekend at the Lausitzring:

Sheldon van der Linde (#1 BMW M4 GT3, Schubert Motorsport): “I am particularly proud of our fifth-place finish on Saturday. Given the conditions we had with the BMW M4 GT3, I believe that was the best result we could achieve. Unfortunately, we lost a significant number of points on Sunday due to qualifying and some minor incidents during the race. It’s disappointing, but I’m still very much in the title race. Moreover, there are upcoming circuits where our car should perform better. We will keep pushing.”

René Rast (#33 BMW M4 GT3, Schubert Motorsport): “I managed to score points in both races, but overall, the points gain was modest. I had hoped for more in my 100th race. It was clear that we didn’t have the competitiveness required this weekend. I was the highest-placed BMW driver in Sunday’s qualifying, starting from 15th, and I think that speaks volumes. I gained a few positions during the race, but there wasn’t much more I could do.”

Marco Wittmann (#11 BMW M4 GT3, Project 1): “I have mixed feelings about the weekend. I earned points in both races, and my race pace was really strong, especially on Sunday. However, my goal is to be fighting at the front, which we are currently not achieving. As a team, we lack experience with the individual circuits, and this becomes evident during practice sessions as we spend more time searching for the right setup compared to more experienced teams. Nevertheless, we are improving and able to reach the level of others for the race, delivering solid performances. Overall, there is still room for improvement as we look ahead to the upcoming races.”

News

Lausitzring To Host FIM Record Attempts In September

The renowned German Lausitzring track, owned by Dekra, a specialized German entity focusing on homologations and certifications, is preparing to become the center of attention for racing enthusiasts around the world. This complex, which includes a conventional circuit, triangular oval, and a vast oval with remarkable cambers, will host the highly anticipated FIM Records attempts in short-distance racing from September 21 to 24, 2023.

This event is organized by SwissPerformance, a prominent event promoter, with the support of the German Federation (DMSB). The Lausitzring event will conclude an extensive program of attempts, with previous events held on August 16 at the picturesque Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia and on August 27 at the legendary Bonneville salt lake in the United States.

The visionary owner of SwissPerformance, Rudolf Steck, emphasized the significance of the Lausitzring event, particularly for European teams with more modest budgets. “The European venue allows teams from Europe to participate with more modest budgets since the cost of travel, technical infrastructure, and accommodation is a fraction of the cost of events outside of Europe,” Steck explained—translated from Italian. Steck further envisions this event evolving into an annual European tradition, expanding steadily as a compelling alternative to overseas events.


Bonneville Salt Flats In Jeopardy

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One of the key advantages of choosing the Lausitzring as the event venue is the unique opportunity it offers to spectators. Unlike natural surfaces such as the Bonneville salt flats or the Uyuni salt flats, which have inherent security restrictions and lack barriers, the Lausitzring provides an unparalleled viewing experience. Spectators will have the rare chance to witness the racing action up close, bringing them closer to the thrills, high speeds, and the technical prowess and practical ingenuity required to achieve a prestigious FIM Speed Record.

The proximity to the racing action promises to be a draw for fans and competitors alike, fostering a greater appreciation for the sport and attracting a wider audience.

With its blend of thrilling racing, technical expertise, and proximity to the action, the FIM Record attempts at the Lausitzring are set to captivate racing enthusiasts and showcase the pinnacle of speed and skill. As September approaches, anticipation grows for this exceptional event, destined to leave an indelible mark on the motorsports landscape.