Top moments of 2012, #4: BMW returned and saw their dream come true - video
An amazing return by BMW in the DTM with their M3 DTM cars in the tightly-contested German-based series, and Canadian driver Bruno Spengler finally landed his championship. Without a doubt, they are the number four in our top 20 moments countdown.
Race winner and 2012 champion, Bruno Spengler, BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M3 DTM
XPB Images
The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) is one that is both demanding on the drivers and teams plus is one of the best racing series around the globe. Based in Germany, the top manufacturers include Audi and Mercedes. In 2012, BMW returned after a 20 year absence and they conquered all three titles! Bruno Spengler grabbed his first championship in the series with four wins. BMW Team Schnitzer earned the team title while BMW walked away with the coveted manufacturers’ championship.
“We really have a sensational season behind us,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “In the DTM we went head to head against our competitors in the premium segment, and emerged triumphant.”
Their first win since 1992 came at Lausitzring in only the second event of the 2012 season. The Canadian and rival Gary Paffett from the Mercedes camp put on a great show for the fans that day; which was only the beginning of what became a hotly-contested battle all year.
After nine rounds in the record book, the season finale was held at Hockenheim where Spengler’s and BMW’s dream came true. It was not easy as Paffett held the points lead over Spengler. The outcome showed not only the desire of the Canadian, the team and BMW, but it also showed a strong team effort. Augusto Farfus started his BMW M3 on the pole, Spengler had to give it everything he could muster to grab the race lead at the start and keep Paffett behind him.
The outcome: Spengler took the win and the championship by a mere four points over the 2005 champion and his former teammate Paffett. Mercedes’ Jamie Green was third in the title fight. It was indeed a remarkable return to the series by BMW. The former Mercedes driver, Spengler commented: “I win the title in my first season with BMW. That is simply unbelievable. We have made motorsport history with this triumph.”
On a side note, many wanted to see Alex Zanardi back in auto racing but the Italian has elected not to make a comeback, even with BMW. Green has left Mercedes to chase for his first DTM title in 2013 with Audi. BMW will add two more M3 DTMs next year, one of the seats will be taken by Marco Wittman.
Next: Moment #3 and Previous: moment #5
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