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Interview

Spengler enthusiastic about two-race DTM weekends

BMW driver Bruno Spengler is pleased with the DTM's decision to adopt two-race weekends, saying the new format is better for both drivers and fans.

Augusto Farfus, BMW Team RBM BMW M4 DTM

Augusto Farfus, BMW Team RBM BMW M4 DTM

XPB Images

Bruno Spengler, BMW Team MTEK BMW M4 DTM
Bruno Spengler, BMW Team MTEK BMW M4 DTM
Bruno Spengler (CAN) BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M4 DTM
Marco Wittmann, BMW Team RMG BMW M4 DTM
Bruno Spengler, BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M4 DTM
Antonio Felix da Costa, BMW Team Schnitzer BMW M4 DTM
Tom Blomqvist, BMW Team RBM BMW M4 DTM
GTLM podium: Bruno Spengler

On the eve of the start of his 11th campaign in the championship, the 2012 DTM champion revealed his satisfaction with the series' decision to split the weekend action for the first time since 2002.

"From a driver's point of view, it is very satisfying", Spengler told Motorsport.com.

"Driving on Friday again is good for fans, who often attend that first day and will be able to watch track action.

"Things are going to be non-stop. In one day, with free practice, qualifying and race, we're not going to have time to catch our breath, but it's great that we can stay in the groove. It's very exciting; I'm looking forward to experiencing the new format this weekend at Hockenheim."

While the new format is more spectator-friendly, it certainly won't make the teams' job any easier, especially for the mechanics.

"Obviously, the toughest part will be for mechanics", the Quebecois added. "You can expect exhausting weekends for them, with a lot of work to fix the cars and little time to rest. They will deserve even more credit.

"As a driver, there were two crucial moments in the weekend: the qualifying on Saturday, then the race on Sunday. Now those moments have been doubled, it will never be possible to let pressure ease.

"Physically, you must also take into account the fact that it will be more demanding, but I like it: for me, motorsport is first and foremost a sport, and must be physically demanding."

Playing it safe?

With two races per weekend, the drivers run the risk, in the event of a crash in Saturday's race, of compromising their Sunday. Some therefore may be tempted to play it safe, but Spengler will not.

"Both races will award as many points", he explained. "Saturday and Sunday will be the same. As a consequence, there are no calculations.

"Anyway, nobody wants to be involved in a collision, be it Saturday or Sunday – the aim is to perform as well as possible every time, there won't be any other question to ask ourselves".

Though he remains in the BMW stable for a fourth season, Spengler starts a new chapter in his career as he joins the MTEK outfit after three seasons with Team Schnitzer.

"I spent three fantastic years with Schnitzer, but now I'm taking up a new challenge with MTEK. I was warmly welcomed from the start and we made sure I would feel at home.

"I'm delighted to start this new season with them and I very clearly intend to be at the front."

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