Priaulx and Farfus expect challenging weekend at Brands Hatch
RMG BMW’s Andy Priaulx expects a ‘hectic’ home race at this weekend’s British round of the DTM at Brands Hatch.
The Brit expects the 1.9 kilometer track to test the teams and drivers, as they have not tested the new DRS and option tyres around the circuit. However, the three times WTCC champion is aiming to draw on home support as he seeks to open his 2013 points account.
“In many ways, this will be an even busier weekend for me and my engineer as, unlike Hockenheim, we have not tested here with the changes, [so] I expect the 90 minutes of free practice to be fairly hectic,” he said.
“Being a home race can be an added pressure, but one I feel has to be converted into something positive, which means I want to give my fans and family something to cheer about.
“My main objectives this weekend are to realise the strong performance that we showed at times in Hockenheim, finish the race and rack up some points.”
Priaulx’s BMW stablemate and Hockenheim winner, Augusto Farfus, also believes the race will be especially challenging for him and the Bavarian manufacturer, as he, Martin Tomczyk and BMW’s motorsport director, Jens Marquardt, will head to the Nurburgring Nordschliefe for the annual 24-hour race immediately after the Brands Hatch event.
“The Brands Hatch race is going to be a very interesting one for several reasons. First of all, 98 laps round a circuit that is just under two kilometres long is going to be quite a challenge, and what you would call a busy race,” said Farfus.
“We saw in Hockenheim the effects of the DRS, so here at a circuit where overtaking is traditionally difficult this could make for a very exciting race. Last year traffic management during the race was crucial for a good result and I expect the same will be true this weekend.
“All in all it will be a busy weekend, as the moment the race is over I shall be heading to the Nurburgring, where I have an appointment for the 24-hour race.”
Farfus leads the championship with 25 points, whilst Priaulx is 17th after failing to score at Hockenheim.
