Bruno Spengler gets his DTM revenge with BMW

Bruno Spengler made the right choice to sign with BMW Motorsport for the 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) as the Canadian won his first champion in the German touring car series.

Spengler started the DTM season finale at the Hockenheimring with one focus: Win the race!

"I am totally confused and have no idea how I should be feeling. Standing on the top step of the podium, raising the trophy to the sky and seeing all the many fans cheering for me is an amazing experience," said the new champion. "I have waited for this for so many years. It is simply sensational."

The Canadian had been in the same position before of having a shot at the championship. This time a lot was weighing on his shoulders and that of his teammates. "Thank you to BMW Team Schnitzer. My team did a great job all season. Once again, everything went exactly to plan today. In a race, in which we were under extreme pressure, the team did another amazing job on the pit stops. You never win on your own – only as part of a team," he said,

Prior to the start today, he spoke about this being his fifth time at having the opportunity. He said, “All of these past experiences have been pure motivation for me. They give me a positive feeling going into this weekend.”

In today’s race, Spengler moved his BMW M3 into the lead from third on the grid; causing Gary Paffett to chase him for not only the race victory but for the championship. Spengler won both! “I can hardly believe we have won the title with BMW in our first year back in the DTM. Congratulations to my rival Gary Paffett, who performed brilliantly throughout the entire season and put up a fair fight."

Spengler signed on with Charly Lamm, BMW Team Schnitzer team principal, as one of the racers who were willing to take up challenge in the German manufacturers return to the series. They leave Hockenheim with the 2012 team title. “I am speechless. This is a very big moment in the motorsport history of BMW Team Schnitzer," said Lamm. To win the title in a final race like that – in such a close battle that came down to Bruno’s nerves and perfect pit stops – fills me with an incredible amount of pride. It still hasn’t sunk in what just happened here.”

When Spengler won their first race this season, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt was very pleased. Today the entire BMW contingency came through in the end with BMW taking the 2012 Manufacturers’ Championship. Marquardt expressed his feelings by saying, “Sensational. Awesome. Unbelievable. I still cannot believe what has just happened here. Massive congratulations to Bruno Spengler and BMW Team Schnitzer on winning the Drivers’ and Team titles.

“This is a big day for everyone at BMW Motorsport. We returned to the DTM after an absence of almost 20 years and wanted to be competitive as quickly as possible. Now we are here in Hockenheim, and I am talking about winning three titles in our comeback season. BMW Motorsport has written another chapter in motorsport history today. I am unbelievably proud of my team. It is going to be a long night.”

Spengler is the first Canadian to earn the DTM championship, and he is the fourth BMW driver to take the title.