Mr Theissen, how is BMW Motorsport lining up for the 2010 season?
Mario Theissen: “This year we are focussing on production car-based racing. While we are competing in the World Touring Car Championship for the sixth season in succession, the fans can also look forward to a strong BMW presence on the endurance circuit in 2010. Following a successful debut year in the American Le Mans Series, we are now also sending the BMW M3 GT2 into battle in Europe. I am certain that it will make a lasting impression both in the Le Mans Series and at the 24-hour classics. In Formula BMW Europe and Formula BMW Pacific, we are once again promoting up-and-coming youngsters aiming to follow in the footsteps of former Formula BMW drivers like Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg by progressing into Formula One.”
In which races will the BMW M3 GT2 be in action?
Theissen: “The BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will line up in the ALMS again in 2010. Bobby Rahal’s team celebrated its first victory last year, and is looking to push on from that success this season. In Europe, the outings at 24-hour classics are without doubt the icing on the cake: Team BMW Motorsport will compete at the Nürburgring and Le Mans, with a start also planned for Spa-Francorchamps. As part of the preparations for these season highlights, BMW Team Schnitzer will be entering a BMW M3 GT2 in the Le Mans Series, where it will be up against ten strong teams in the GT2 class. Before the 24-hour marathon at the Nürburgring, we will also be lining up in the Eifel Mountains in the VLN Endurance Championship.”
BMW also has a new line-up in the World Touring Car Championship…
Theissen: “Yes. After five years we are no longer competing with three national teams, but will be represented by just one works-supported team: BMW Team RBM. Bart Mampaey’s squad showed its class in impressive style by winning the World Championship title between 2005 and 2007. Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus have proven they are two of the best drivers in this championship. I am certain that we can challenge at the top of the field with this line up. Once again, we also have a number of irons in the fire in terms of privateers this year. Several private teams have once again put their faith in the strength of the BMW 320si in the WTCC.”
How important is GT racing for the BMW brand?
Theissen: “GT racing offers us the opportunity to compare ourselves directly with some of our most important competitors. The BMW M3 is predestined for this task. The car has enjoyed a unique success story. Originally developed as a racing car, the series version of the M3 also epitomises pure sportiness. The fourth generation of the vehicle celebrated a very promising debut in America in 2009. We are now ready to compete in Europe with this car.”
Will the BMW M3 GT2 be able to follow on from the success enjoyed by its predecessors?
Theissen: “We are convinced it can. Every BMW M3 so far has been a winner. To a certain degree, we could see history repeated. The direct predecessor of today’s car, the BMW M3 GTR, also earned its spurs in the ALMS before causing a sensation in Europe. I look back with great joy on the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring in 2004 and 2005. Those two one-twos were fantastic.”
You still have a lot of the winning drivers of that time on board. Are you happy with the driving line-up?
Theissen: “More than that. We have added some experienced endurance drivers to what was already a strong team of works drivers. As a result, we now have a mixture of experience and speed, giving us everything we need to make it onto the podium. Jörg Müller, Dirk Müller, Andy Priaulx and Pedro Lamy have already been involved in victories with the BMW M3 GTR. Old hands like Uwe Alzen and Dirk Adolf are real experts, particularly at the Nordschleife. On top of this, we also have our quick works drivers Dirk Werner and Augusto Farfus. This is a formidable line-up.”And, as in the past, you rely on Schnitzer Motorsport…
Theissen: “Yes, Schnitzer Motorsport has notched up countless victories and titles for BMW. In 1999, Charly Lamm’s team won the 24-hour race in Le Mans with the BMW V12 LMR. Schnitzer was also responsible for the two BMW M3 GTRs in 2004 and 2005. Hardly anyone knows the endurance circuit better than this team. This is an important prerequisite for success. Motorsport is ultimately a team sport – that applies to GT even more than sprints.”
You come from Monschau, not far from the Nordschleife. What links do you have with the 24-hour race in the Eifel?
Theissen: “This event is very special. The Nordschleife is arguably the most demanding circuit in the world. Even in my youth, it was like a magnet for me. That made it all the more pleasing to win there many years down the line. The fans are fantastic and create a one-off atmosphere. I can remember races where the weather regularly alternated between hail, rain, snow and sunshine. At this classic, only those who can adjust perfectly to these changeable conditions and avoid making any mistakes can be successful.”
The 24-hour race in Le Mans is regarded as one of the most important racing events in the world. Do you share this opinion?
Theissen: “Anyone who has been to Le Mans knows why this event has such a legendary status. Hundreds of thousands of fans are on their feet for days and convert this quiet town into a motorsport Mecca. I will never forget our triumph there with the BMW V12 LMR in 1999. We are entering the BMW M3 in the GT2 category in 2010. This will be equally hard-fought as the prototype category. It will definitely be an exciting weekend.”
In Le Mans, the fans will get to see a very special BMW M3 GT2. Can you give us any details?
Theissen: “At this year’s 24-hour race we are resurrecting the long tradition of the BMW Art Cars. The American artist Jeff Koons creates the design for the BMW M3 GT2. In doing so, he joins the ranks of great artists such as Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, A.R. Penck, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer and Andy Warhol. There is probably no better stage for this work of art to take to the track and mark the 35th anniversary of the Art Car collection than Le Mans. The BMW M1 designed by Andy Warhol finished in an admiral sixth place there back in 1979.”
