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BMW DTM Teams Finish Official Tests in Hungary

With just over a week before the official ITR test week will commence on the Hockenheim, all 8 BMW drivers involved in the 2014 DTM Championship managed to complete a first set of tests on the Hungaroring, near Budapest, in Hungary.
Castrol Edge BMW M4 DTM 1 photo
Photo: BMW
During the 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) they covered with their brand new BMW M4 DTM cars, the focus was on tuning the aerodynamics and chassis, since the engine used will basically be the same.

Of course, pit stops, qualifying and race simulations were also practiced, the weather and bright sunshine providing the perfect conditions to gather all the valuable data.

“We completed a varied programme, and got a lot of laps under our belts. It was great to be back with the team and to switch into race mode. The focus was not entirely on quick times, but we did discover that we are certainly heading in the right direction,” said BMW Team Schnitzer driver Bruno Spengler.

“I had never been to Hungary before, so logically this was my first time at the Hungaroring. I really like the circuit, as it nestles nicely in the landscape. Up until now my only knowledge of the Hungaroring came from video games. Looking ahead to the race in June, that made it all the more important for me to be able to complete a lot of test laps here,” said Joey Hand of Team RBM.

Probably the most excited driver out there was rookie Antonio Felix da Costa inside his BMW Team MTEK M4 that had the chance to test the option tyres for the first time.

“We tried a lot of things out over the past few days, in order to be as well prepared for any situation that may arise over the course of the season,” said the 22-year-old. “The speed of the car is good, but it is still too early to say how it compares to our rivals. Everyone sticks to their own plan during testing.”

The first race of the season will take place on the Hockenheim on May 4 to be followed by another race in Germany just two weeks later and an official return to Hungary on Hungaroring on June 1, after a 26-year break.
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