BMW M Motorsport completes intensive test programme with the BMW M4 DTM at Vallelunga.

Vallelunga. BMW M Motorsport’s preparations for the 2020 DTM season are in full swing. This week, the BMW M4 DTM returned to the track at a three-test test at Vallelunga, Italy. In action were drivers Philipp Eng (AUT) and Timo Glock (GER), who completed an intensive programme of testing from Wednesday to Friday.

Predominantly sunny weather made for nearly consistently good conditions over the three days at the racetrack to the north of Rome. This allowed BMW M Motorsport to work through all the test points scheduled with the modified BMW M4 DTM. Different technical ideas for the coming season were evaluated in a number of short and long runs. In total, Eng and Glock completed 460 laps – that is 1,851 kilometres of testing.

Joining them in Italy were the two newcomers to the BMW works squad for the 2020 DTM, Lucas Auer (AUT) and Jonathan Aberdein (RSA). They used the test days to get to know the team and processes at BMW M Motorsport. The next test is scheduled for 16th to 18th March at Monza (ITA). All the BMW DTM drivers will be in action at this official ITR test. The opening round of the season takes place at Zolder (BEL) from 24th to 26th April.

Quotes on the DTM test at Vallelunga.

Philipp Eng: “We are very happy with the test. It was great to feel how much positive energy there is in the team, and to see how much hard work has been put in over the winter. Everyone is fully motivated. As a driver, that gives me an extremely good feeling. Out on the track, we confirmed that we have been able to implement everything we resolved to do. The car is really very easy to drive. We have taken a further step forward and I am now looking forward to the next test in Monza.”

Timo Glock: “It was very nice to be back in the car after the long break. When I arrived in the paddock on the first morning, I realised that this is my 20th year in motor racing, if I deduct the karting years. And I still have butterflies in my stomach when I walk through the paddock, and look forward to getting behind the wheel of a racing car. I had a big smile on my face for the first few laps. I really enjoyed it. The car felt good and we were able to work through some of the points on our list. It was a positive test and we must now make sure we sort everything else out in Monza and continue to prepare well for the season.”

Lucas Auer: “It was a very interesting test for me. I have seen all the processes at BMW, got to know everyone in the team, and obviously also watched what Philipp and Timo were up to on the track. I am now very excited about Monza, where I will be at the wheel of the BMW M4 DTM myself.”

Jonathan Aberdein: “It has been great to be at Vallelunga preparing for the 2020 DTM season. My role at this test was to spectate, to get to know the team and to learn how everything is operating and running. It has been valuable for me to gather this information. Now I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the BMW M4 DTM myself at the next test at Monza.”