The wait is over: the 2018 DTM season has finally kicked off at Germany’s Hockenheimring. For Augusto Farfus and his BMW Team RMG it was a Saturday of mixed emotions. The driver from Curitiba had a strong first qualifying of the year in his Shell BMW M4 DTM. The race, however, proved to be challenging. In the end, Augusto finished the 2018 opening race in 15th position.
The curtain raiser at Hockenheim started with bright sunshine and pleasant temperatures – and with an encouraging first qualifying practice. Augusto set the sixth fastest lap time, securing a place on the third row – and setting his sights on scoring points to kick the season off. Augusto had a solid start into the race and settled into the top-eight in the opening stages. Then, however, he lost ground and fought with blunt weapons. After 36 laps, P15 was all he could do.
“After qualifying, we were hoping for a much better race”, Augusto reported. “It is early in the year, and we could see a big difference between the cars. Unfortunately we were on the wrong side of that window. We suffered too much rear degradation during the race and that was compromising our performance. Unfortunately there was not much to do, but it was good to finish the race trouble free, to learn the car and I am sure that tomorrow we will have a much better package.”
Tomorrow, Sunday, the action will start for Augusto with FP3 from 09.00 to 09.30. Qualifying will follow from 11.25 to 11.45 and the second race of the year starts at 13.33.
