Andy Priaulx

Munich, 30th August 2010.

When BMW Team RBM takes to the track for the first free practice session in Oschersleben (DE) at 08:30hrs on Saturday, it will mark the end of the five-week summer break in the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The 3.696-kilometre “Motorsport Arena” is the venue for races 15 and 16 of the season.

BMW has enjoyed more success to date at Oschersleben than any other track on the WTCC calendar. A BMW driver has crossed the finish line first in nine of the ten races held in the “Magdeburger Börde” region. Both Augusto Farfus (BR), who celebrates his 27th birthday on Friday, and Andy Priaulx (GB) have won there on three occasions.

The first race at the “Motorsport Arena Oschersleben” begins at 13:05hrs on Sunday. Race two starts at 15:20hrs. Priaulx goes into the race weekend third in the Drivers’ Championship on 183 points – just 16 points behind leader Yvan Muller (FR, Chevrolet). Farfus is seventh on 109 points.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):

“In Brno Andy was able to reduce the gap to the front-runner in the Drivers’ Championship to 16 points. We obviously want to continue this positive trend in Oschersleben. The circuit has always been a successful stomping ground for BMW in the past. Our drivers have claimed a lot of victories there. It will be important to get good starts in both races. A lot can happen in the first corner in Oschersleben – for that reason it is very important to keep away from the chaos. As usual, we do not have the fastest car. However, our race pace is spot on. We must use this to pick up a lot of points in both races.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):

“It goes without saying the races in Oschersleben are special, as these are home events for BMW. Our mission is to win the title back for BMW. Therefore we obviously have to gain more points than anyone else. The easiest way to do this is to be at the front of the field myself, and to finish in front of our main competitors, so they ultimately drop points. That is precisely what I aim to do.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):

“Last year proved to be superb for BMW. I would have no problems if Augusto Farfus and I were again on the top step of the podium. I like the circuit, and it suits my style. The BMW 320si WTCC is particularly competitive here. Oschersleben kicks off the part of the season when the championship battle hots up, so I really hope we have every reason to celebrate here after both races.”

Brno, 1st August 2010.

With his win at the “Automotodrom Brno”, Andy Priaulx (GB) achieved a further milestone for BMW in international touring car racing, with the marque posting its 50th victory in the FIA World Touring Car Championship since 2005. In addition, BMW drivers have crossed the line in a one-two formation no less than 31 times. No other manufacturer has scored more successes in the WTCC than BMW.

Further statistics underscore the strong performances posted by BMW drivers and the competitiveness of their machinery: 57 fastest laps, 139 podium places, 667 laps in the lead, and no less than three drivers’ titles and an equal number of manufacturers’ championships between 2005 and 2007 impressively prove how BMW made its mark on the championship.

“Our heartiest congratulations to BMW Team RBM and Andy Priaulx,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “We are proud to have celebrated our 50th victory in the World Touring Car Championship. There have been many memorable moments, such as the triumphs by Andy Priaulx in Macau, or Alessandro Zanardi’s first victory in Oschersleben 2005. With the BMW 320i and also the BMW 320si WTCC we regularly featured at the sharp end during the past 124 races, and were able to post victories even under very difficult circumstances. I hope we can improve our position during the course of this year so as to be fighting for the championship at the finale in Macau. My thanks to all the drivers, teams, and team members of BMW Motorsport who made these 50 victories possible.”

A total of eight drivers have scored victories for BMW in the WTCC since 2005, with the most successful being Priaulx. To date he has claimed 17 victories, with the first coming in Oschersleben (DE) in 2005 at the wheel of a BMW 320i. Sixteen further wins with the BMW 320si WTCC followed. His team-mate at BMW Team RBM, Augusto Farfus (BR), is next on the listing with 11 victories for BMW, followed by Jörg Müller (DE, 10 wins), Dirk Müller (DE, 4), Alessandro Zanardi (IT, 4), Félix Porteiro (ES, 1), Duncan Huisman (NL, 1) and Sergio Hernández (ES, 1).

Brno, 1st August 2010.

His fifth win of the FIA World Touring Car Championship season in Brno (CZ) not only saw BMW Team RBM’s Andy Priaulx (GB) making up ground on the leaders in the Drivers’ Championship, but also writing history: in the 14th race of the year, the triple world champion clocked up the 50th BMW victory in the World Touring Car Championship since 2005. In the first race of the day, Priaulx fought his way from 11th to fifth place to score more World Championship points with Chevrolet’s Robert Huff (GB) emerging as the eventual race winner.

Priaulx’s team-mate Augusto Farfus (BR) was also able to add to his points tally at the “Automotodrom Brno”, finishing in fourth and fifth places respectively. BMW privateer Colin Turkington (GB), driving for Team ebay Motors, finished runner-up in race two to stand alongside Priaulx on the podium and completed an excellent overall result for BMW in the Czech Republic.

Priaulx now stands at 183 points in the Drivers’ Championship, earning him third in this classification. However, the gap to championship leader Yvan Muller (FR/Chevrolet), who left Brno empty-handed, was reduced to 16 points. Farfus is in seventh place on 109 points.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):

“In the first race, both cars were involved in minor collisions, but were able to continue without any problems. Augusto held his ground in fourth place, but was not able to launch an attack on the podium positions. Andy produced a very good first race. Fifth place was the best he could possibly have hoped for. The second race obviously went a lot better from our point of view. After an outstanding start and his overtaking manoeuvre to pass Colin Turkington, Andy had the race well under control. Unfortunately Augusto had no opportunity to make up any positions. The fact that Andy secured the 50th victory in the WTCC for BMW is fantastic. It is particularly great, as we have reached this milestone in an important phase of the championship. The 50th win underlines BMW’s commitment to touring car racing.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):

Race 1: 5th, 2:13.903 min – Race 2: 1st, 2:12.929 min – Car weight: 1,198 kg

“We were optimistic coming into the race weekend in Brno. However, the situation looked a bit different after qualifying. We worked hard overnight, and this paid off. The car was very good in both races. I am very happy to be leaving with so many points and to have taken a big step forward in the championship thanks to the retirements of Gabriele and Yvan. Obviously it is very special to claim the 50th victory for BMW in the WTCC. However, we must take another step forward in order to challenge for the championship at the end of the season.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):

Race 1: 4th, 2:12.167 min – Race 2: 5th, 2:12.993 min – Car weight: 1,198 kg

“I am happy to at least take some points away from Brno. They were tough races with a lot of duels, but were also great fun. From a BMW point of view, this WTCC Sunday ran as well as could be hoped. Congratulations to Andy, who secured BMW’s 50th victory in the World Touring Car Championship.”

Colin Turkington (Car Number 29):

Race 1: 6th, 2:13.647 min – Race 2: 2nd, 2:13.440 min – Weight: 1,133 kg

“I am very happy with how this weekend has turned out, particularly as this was my first race at this circuit. I got off to a very good start in the second race. After Andy had overtaken me, I concentrated on keeping Alan Menu behind me – which I managed to do. It goes without saying that I am proud to have been part of a BMW one-two, especially as it is BMW’s 50th victory in the WTCC.”

Munich, 26th July 2010.

The first half of the FIA World Touring Car Championship drew to a close in Brands Hatch (GB). Rounds 13 and 14 of the series take BMW Team RBM to Brno (CZ) this coming weekend. The “Automotodrom Brno” has proven a very successful stomping ground for BMW in the past: six of the eight world championship races on the 5.403-kilometre circuit have been won by BMW drivers. Last year Augusto Farfus (BR) claimed pole position, with Andy Priaulx (GB) starting alongside him on the front row.

A classic, undulating track awaits BMW Team RBM in the Czech Republic. The corners require a flowing driving style, while the surface is smooth following resurfacing work in 2008. Numerous left-right combinations must be mastered. After the start/finish, the course heads downhill for almost three kilometres before the engine must do its stuff on the subsequent climb.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):

“In the past, the BMW 320si WTCC has always coped well in Brno. However, our performance in qualifying will be crucial. Recently our qualifying has not been as strong as our performance in the race on the Sunday. We will work hard to ensure our tyres work better for that one quick lap. Traditionally, the rolling start is also difficult for us. However, if we manage to get into a good position after the first lap, Andy and Augusto will be able to attack. The circuit in Brno offers some good overtaking opportunities.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):

“In 2009 I made a mistake in Brno which cost a lot of points. I aim to confine this to the past. My plan is to claim pole position again, then convert it into a top result in both races. That Brno suits the BMW 320si WTCC has been proven in the past. I really like this circuit.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):

“I am really looking forward to the races in Brno. The circuit definitely suits us, but I am not going to let this put me under any pressure. It doesn’t do any good to aim for a certain result ahead of a weekend. The opposition is still very strong and Yvan Muller again extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship in Brands Hatch. Who knows though, maybe he will also finish out of the points some time soon, as has happened to me twice already this year. I will concentrate on my work and aim to score as many points as possible in Brno.”

Munich, 13th July 2010.

The FIA World Touring Car Championship throws up another highlight for BMW Team RBM this coming weekend. Together with team-mate Augusto Farfus (BR), triple World Champion Andy Priaulx (GB) will take to the track in front of his home fans.

Both drivers go into rounds 11 and 12 of the season full of confidence, as the BMW 320si WTCC has proven its potential at the iconic track just south of London on several occasions in the past: BMW has won three out of eight races so far held in Brands Hatch, and the manufacturer also has many fastest laps to its name. In 2008, Farfus started from pole position in the county of Kent.

On this circuit, which is perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape, nothing is symmetrical, starting with the first corner, Paddock Hill, which plunges downwards. The outfield, featuring four fast right-handers, is equally challenging for drivers.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):

“Traditionally, the BMW 320si WTCC performs very well at Brands Hatch. We use the shorter rear-axle transmission there, which suits us. Last year both Andy and Augusto started the first race from the second row, which just goes to show how well they get to grips with Brands Hatch and like the circuit. We will try to get both cars in the top eight in qualifying, so we can then attack during the race. It goes without saying this is a special event for Andy. After the long and successful cooperation with BMW UK, the races in Great Britain are also very special for our team.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):

“I scored a victory in Brands Hatch last year. I was on pole position in 2008. So this circuit is definitely one that suits me. I’m really happy we will now finally compete on a track that should be good for our car. It was good to pick up points in both races in Portimão. However, I obviously want to get back onto the podium. Hopefully I’ll manage precisely that at Brands Hatch.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):

“I really love this circuit – and not only because I enjoy a home advantage at Brands Hatch, which I consider to be a bit of a mini Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Overtaking can be difficult, and mistakes are easily made. Brands Hatch looks back on a long tradition, which you can really feel. I can’t think of a single driver who does not look forward to this event. We are on a roll and so I am hoping to keep this positive momentum to give all British fans something to cheer about on that weekend.”

Portimão, 4th July 2010.

At the debut of Portimão’s (PT) “Autódromo Internacional do Algarve” in the FIA World Touring Car Championship, BMW Team RBM increased its points’ tally despite experiencing two difficult races. In the ninth round of the season Augusto Farfus (BR) finished fourth, before crossing the line fifth in the second race of the day. His team-mate, Andy Priaulx (GB), was hit by several cars at the beginning of race one, and subsequently pushed into the gravel. The triple world champion had to retire, but then put in a stunning performance in round two, improving from 19th to fourth. SEAT’s Tiago Monteiro (PT) and Gabriele Tarquini (IT) claimed victories at the 4.654-kilometre circuit.

Yvan Muller (FR/Chevrolet) retained the lead in the Drivers’ Championship with 164 points. Priaulx ranks third with 117 points. Farfus now has 75 points to his name, and holds eighth. In just two weeks the WTCC season continues with two rounds in Brands Hatch (GB).

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):

“Fourth for Augusto in race one was the best-possible result for us today. After he was hit unnecessarily by Robert Huff after the chequered flag, we had to do major repair work during the break. Andy was pushed off the track by another car and had to give up with a damaged left and right suspension. The second race was exciting. Andy put in a great performance, coming from the back of the field. Augusto also had a good race, after losing places at the start. Unfortunately he got a tap to the rear of his car by Huff on lap five. Under these circumstances we got the maximum out of today’s two races.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):

Race 1: 4th, 1:57.244 min – Race 2: 5th, 1:58.207 min

“Neither the rolling nor the standing start worked out well for me today, so I had to make do with fourth and fifth respectively. The balance of the car was fine overall, and we managed to make the most of our package at this track that really doesn’t make life easy for us. A big thank you goes to the team. After Robert Huff hit me on my in lap at the end of race one, they had to change the right rear upright in a short period of time. They managed this perfectly.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):

Race 1: DNF – Race 2: 4th, 1:58.006 min

“Obviously it’s disappointing to lose all chances of a good result on the very first lap. At the start of race one I dropped back and found myself in the middle of carnage. My car was hit at every corner and was heavily damaged. Finally I got pushed into the gravel. In race two I gave my all to make up places, and this worked out well. There was a lot of action going on, and I enjoyed being part of it.”

Munich, 28th June 2010.

In the FIA World Touring Car Championship it is now a string of events coming rapidly one after another, with this weekend marking the appearance of BMW Team RBM on the “Autódromo Internacional do Algarve“ in Portimão (PT). For Augusto Farfus (BR) and Andy Priaulx (GB) the event marks their second of four WTCC race weekends interspersed by fourteen-day intervals between June and August.

By taking his third victory of 2010 in Zolder, Priaulx made a perfect start to this intensive phase of the season. The triple world champion intends continuing his run of success in Portimão at the 4.654-kilometre circuit’s debut on the WTCC calendar so he can consolidate his position among the front-runners in the championship. By contrast, team-mate Farfus intends making up lost ground after some difficult weekends.

The event sees the first competition appearance of the WTCC on this modern circuit. After Estoril and Porto, the venue is the third Portuguese circuit to have hosted the series. Both Priaulx and Farfus have celebrated victory in Portugal before: The former during Porto’s 2007 street race, with Farfus last year emulating him.

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):

“After we managed to get the maximum possible with Andy during the past three race weekends, we now head for a relatively unknown circuit. We had wet conditions during our two tests there, so we were only able to collect a limited amount of data we could use in the dry. The venue, which lies directly on the Atlantic coast, is great. It is undulating, and should remind our drivers of the Nordschleife. We know the next few races are extremely important, for it is vital to rack up points if we are to remain in contention for the world championship. That is precisely what we are aiming for. Obviously our target is to post good results with both cars.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):

“In Portugal I feel totally at home. They speak my language and the sun mostly shines. Portimão is perfect for touring cars, and I am convinced we will experience two spectacular races. It is undulating and offers a lot of overtaking opportunities. Although it will not be easy for us, I aim to score as many points as possible in order to move myself up in the championship.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):

“In Portimão we are in virgin territory, although we have tested there twice. However, then it rained, so the data will not necessarily be helpful. For us the weekend will be a major challenge, for the circuit has a lot of uphill sections which follow slow corners. These conditions do not really suit our car. However, I still plan to collect as many points as possible. That is crucial, for they will keep me in the championship hunt and give me a good starting point for the races in Brands Hatch and Brno. A lot of race weekends in a short space of time now face us. We are approaching this task with total concentration and a lot of confidence.”

Zolder, 20th June 2010.

BMW Team RBM’s Andy Priaulx (GB) continued his run of victories in the World Touring Championship. In the eighth round of the season held in Zolder (BE), the triple world champion claimed his third win of 2010. He was joined on the podium by Chevrolet’s Robert Huff (GB) and Tiago Monteiro (PT, SEAT) who came second and third respectively. In the first race of the day, Priaulx secured pole position for the second round by finishing eighth, which he was able to convert into another victory thanks to a flawless drive. His team-mate, Augusto Farfus (BR), took the chequered flag in tenth and eighth, also adding to his points’ tally at the “Circuit Zolder”.

This was Priaulx’s 15th career win in the World Touring Car Championship. He now is on par with Farfus on top of the series’ all-time winners’ list. In the Drivers’ Championship, Priaulx has moved up to second after eight rounds, with 103 points under his belt. Farfus is in ninth with 52 points. Chevrolet’s Yvan Muller (FR, 125 points) has retained his lead.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen:
“As expected, this has been a difficult weekend for us. We knew this circuit would suit our car better than the previous three tracks, but the competition is very strong. If qualifying doesn’t run perfectly, then it’s really difficult to gain ground in the races. Nevertheless Andy managed to take the crucial eighth place in race one. In round two he delivered a great performance, kept his rivals behind and celebrated this victory. The races weren’t so successful for Augusto. Of course we would have also liked him to make it into the top-eight, but he got stuck in traffic and had to start the second race from tenth on the grid. From this position he couldn’t do much more than bring the car home in eighth.”

Bart Mampaey (Team Principal):
“Again there are two sides to this weekend for us: Andy’s victory in front of our Belgian home crowd is a true highlight in the history of RBM. You could really feel how much the fans were hoping for this win by our team. In addition, I’m happy we could reward BMW Belux for its huge support over the past years. The Zolder races were disappointing for Augusto. Unfortunately it didn’t work out with both of our drivers finishing race one in the top eight. In race two it was virtually impossible for him to pass Gabriele Tarquini.”

Andy Priaulx (Car Number 11):
Race 1: 8th, 1:40.138 min – Race 2: 1st, 1:40.181 min
“This home win is fantastic for BMW Team RBM. We experienced great support from the Belgian fans throughout the whole weekend. The fact I managed to improve to eighth in race one thanks to two overtaking manoeuvres, was certainly the key to this success. We are not as fast as our competitors in qualifying at the moment, but our race pace is excellent. This win was very important to keep us in a strong position in the championship.”

Augusto Farfus (Car Number 10):
Race 1: 10th, 1:40.509 min – Race 2: 8th, 1:40.435 min
“Andy’s win is great for our team. Everyone worked really hard to make it happen. Personally I had hoped for a better result. After our unlucky qualifying session I had to make up lost ground in the races, but overtaking is really difficult at this circuit. Additionally our package is not good enough to pass the other cars easily. Now I hope to get some better results in the coming weekends.”