Augusto Farfus knows the Brands Hatch podium well, having won with BMW on the long Grand Prix Circuit back in the 2009 FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). Today he enjoyed spraying champagne on the podium again; the driver from Curitiba secured second place on the rostrum in Saturday’s DTM race at Brands Hatch in his Shell BMW M4 DTM.
Speaking about Brands Hatch before the weekend, Augusto described the venue as “magical” – and his love for the circuit was confirmed today. The DTM last raced at Brands Hatch in 2013, but on the short Indy Circuit. This weekend the series has returned to the circuit south-east of London to race on the long version. Not many DTM drivers know the Grand Prix Circuit but Augusto is one that does.
The day started well for Augusto and his BMW Team RMG when he set the fastest time in the second free practice session. In qualifying, he was fifth – the basis for his podium success. On the opening lap of the race, Augusto had already improved to fourth. He and the team then opted to pit on lap five, immediately after a long ‘slow zone’ period. When all drivers had completed their mandatory pit stops, Augusto had climbed up the order to second place – remining in that podium position to the chequered flag.
“It feels good! It was a lot of days, a lot of races until we got back on the podium. Some races did not work for us and now finally we got it together”, Augusto enthused after the race. “We had a strong pace over the entire day and tomorrow we aim to be even one place higher.”
He said about the key to success: “From the start of the weekend, we had a fast car. The team did a good job; I was up to speed. Our strategy was right, and once I was in front I did not have the pace of the Mercedes but a quite strong pace so we made it and I am really pleased for my boys.”
Sunday’s action at Brands Hatch will start with FP3 from 10.00 to 10.20 British time. Qualifying will follow from 11.20 to 11.40 and the 12th race of the year starts at 13.33.
