Final overseas WTCC spurt: BMW national teams line up in Japan.
10-20-2008 Press Release
Munich,
20th October 2008. The FIA World Touring Car Championship is entering
the finishing straight: this weekend the BMW national teams travel to
Japan, where the “Okayama International Circuit” is the venue for
rounds 21 and 22 of the 2008 season. This sees the 3.703-kilometre
track in the woods around the city of Mimasaka (JP) host an FIA world
championship event for the first time since the two Formula One races
in 1994 and 1995.
Four races before the end of the season, only in theory does BMW
have any chance of defending its titles in the Drivers' and
Manufacturers' Championships. BMW Team UK’s Andy Priaulx (GB) is 34
points behind leader Yvan Muller (FR). In the manufacturers’ standings,
BMW has 223 points to its name – 54 points less than the leader SEAT.
Unlike the fast tracks the series has raced on recently at Imola (IT)
and Monza (IT), the twisting “Okayama International Circuit” should
reduce the disadvantage the BMW drivers have over their rivals with
turbo diesel engines.
Andy Priaulx (BMW Team UK):
“I have never even been to Japan, let alone raced there. I know
very little about the track other than a video I have seen on the
internet. As regards the title race, I shall never give up until the
points’ total says it is impossible for me to win, but I have to be
realistic about my chances this year.”
Jörg Müller (BMW Team Germany):
“Okayama is virgin territory for me, which is why it is so
important to build up in advance an accurate impression of the circuit.
Here the internet plays an important role, with onboard footage of
virtually every circuit being available. I find that is a huge help. I
know Suzuka and Fuji; now I am looking forward to Okayama.”
Augusto Farfus (BMW Team Germany):
“I’m really excited about going to Japan. We shall experience a
completely different culture – and I love new experiences. On paper the
Okayama circuit looks as if it could suit us well. However, we shall
have to wait for the first session to know whether in reality this will
be the case or not.”
Félix Porteiro (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“I was very happy with my performance in this year’s overseas races
in Brazil, where I scored nine points. Therefore I hope to have similar
results in Japan and China. I’m especially confident for Okayama. Our
BMW 320si WTCC should be able to prove its strengths there.”
Alessandro Zanardi (BMW Team Italy-Spain):
“Logistically speaking, a trip to Japan is always a nightmare for
various reasons. On the other hand, this problem is compensated for by
the enthusiasm of all the Japanese race fans. I've never been to Aida,
however, I know how professional and meticulous the Japanese promoters
are, and that's why I'm looking forward to a well organised event.”