The Hungaroring near Budapest is the first stop outside of Germany in the 2018 DTM season. The first day of racing at the historic track turned out to be a difficult one for Augusto Farfus and the entire BMW team. In today’s fifth race of the season, no BMW driver made it into the points positions. The highest placed BMW M4 DTM was that of Bruno Spengler in 12th. Augusto Farfus was the third best BMW driver, crossing the line in 15th in his BMW Team RMG Shell BMW M4 DTM.
In qualifying, Augusto was the fastest driver of the BMW squad, setting the eighth fastest time. Qualifying was held in dry conditions, following the wet morning free practice. “It was a kind of a blind qualifying,” Augusto reported afterwards. “Yesterday we did a long run and this morning, we had a wet session. So we did not know what to expect and we are not really up there. I am best the best BMW driver in P8, and normally you expect the best one to be on pole position. We had a good long run yesterday, so let’s hope for the race.”
His hopes were not fulfilled however. Most BMW drivers completed an early pit stop, including Augusto on lap six. That strategy did not work out as planned. “It was a difficult day for BMW,” Augusto summed up after the race. “We did not get the strategy right and it cost a lot. Of course, we did not have the pace in the race, but maybe a better result would have been possible. But okay – we will move on!”
Tomorrow is a new day with new chances for Augusto and BMW. Sunday’s action will start with FP3 from 08.30 to 09.00. Qualifying will follow from 11.20 to 11.40 and the fourth race of the year starts at 13.33.
