BMW auto group conducted first tests of its new M4 DTM model in Spain.
After two years under new DTM technical regulations, the ban on car upgrading was finally lifted in the end of the previous season giving the carmakers an opportunity to bring performance of their vehicles to the highest level by the beginning of the new championship. And while Audi and Mercedes upgrade the models they have already used — RS 5 DTM and AMG C-Coupé DTM, BMW replaces M3 DTM with the new model — M4 DTM.
First test of the new racing car produced by the Bavarian auto group for the DTM series took place last week at the Spanish circuit Monteblanco located near Seville. BMW’s six factory racing drivers were changing shifts behind the wheel of two M4 vehicles: Augusto Farfus, Bruno Spengler, Marco Wittmann, Timo Glock, Maxime Martin and António Félix da Costa. Two more pilots came to the track but did not take part in the tests — Martin Tomczyk and Joey Hand.
The focus of the testing work was set on the aerodynamics of the new car. In spite of rather unfavourable weather conditions, the pilots managed to cover the distance of almost 2,500 km during three test days.
BMW does not reveal any photos of the new model except for the one with its name plate keeping the aerodynamic features of the M4 DTM in secret. First public appearance of the M4 is scheduled for the end of March during the official collective pre-season test session. Factory teams of all three car manufacturers who participate in the DTM series will gather at the Hungaroring track (which is included in the championship calendar) from March 31 to April 3 for their first 4-day sessions. And two weeks later, from April 14 to 17, the participants will continue their pre-season preparations at Hockenheim, Germany.
On the first week-end of May, also at Hockenheim, the new season of confrontation between three giants of the German car industry will begin. And again one of its rounds will be held at the Moscow Raceway in the middle of summer. For the second time in its history, the Russian stage of the most popular international touring series will be held on July 11–13. For the first time in Russia, the DTM race week-end will be complimented with the most significant youth competition — the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.
According to www.dtm.com