You have 20 free views remaining

You've had 10 free page views this calendar month. After 30 you'll need to subscribe to keep viewing. Benefits include:

Unlimited access to AUTOSPORT with news and views from the paddock
Enjoy AUTOSPORT+: subscriber-only analysis, comment and top-quality pictures
Get AUTOSPORT magazine in a digital format on your computer or iPad every week

Our commitment to quality journalism

We've introduced metered access to AUTOSPORT which will ensure that the majority of our visitors can continue to view the site for free. But we think that is worth a small investment from those who use it most, so that we can continue to send the leading experts in their field to motor racing paddocks all over the world to break the latest news and produce the most compelling interviews and race reports.

Every visitor gets 30 free news story views per month. Once you reach the 30-story limit you can choose one of our great subscription packages to continue viewing and to get additional access to a range of features including:

Unlimited access to AUTOSPORT with news and views from the paddock
Enjoy AUTOSPORT+: subscriber-only analysis, comment and top-quality pictures
Get AUTOSPORT magazine in a digital format on your computer or iPad every week
Full access to FORIX - the world's best motorsport statistics website

For over 60 years AUTOSPORT has been at the pinnacle of motor racing journalism, offering breaking news, unrivalled analysis and the most informative race reviews. We promise to keep investing in the highest quality writers, the best-informed experts and the most up-to-the-minute news service.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you as a new subscriber.

Andrew Van de Burgt
Editor in Chief

Search:

AUTOSPORT+ LOGIN

Username:
Password:
auto-login

DTM NEWS

Schnitzer hails Spengler's 'nerves of steel' after BMW DTM title

By Matt Beer

Tuesday, October 23rd 2012, 10:20 GMT

Bruno Spengler wins DTM title Schnitzer team boss Charly Lamm said champion driver Bruno Spengler played a critical role in BMW's unexpected sweep of DTM titles in its comeback year.

Spengler fought off Mercedes duo Gary Paffett and Jamie Green to claim the championship at Hockenheim last weekend.

The Canadian had been part of Mercedes' crack HWA line-up for the previous six years, twice finishing runner-up in the DTM standings before finally claiming his maiden title after moving to returnee BMW.

"In the past, BMW Team Schnitzer has often had exactly the right driver at exactly the right moment," said Lamm. "This was the case again with Bruno this year.

"We didn't know each other before the season. We had only previously observed him in the DTM. We met each other for the first time at the first communal test.

"BMW's decision to get Bruno and Dirk [Werner] to drive for us was definitely a very lucky one. Bruno's experience has done us a power of good. He has swept the team along and passed on his experience."

Lamm said Spengler's personality had also been a perfect fit for Schnitzer. The long-time BMW squad had previously taken Roberto Ravaglia to the 1989 DTM on its debut in the series' original incarnation, as well as achieving championship successes in Super Touring and sportscar racing.

"In our team, the driver is always the hero. He sets the level of performance," said Lamm.

"For us, success is not just down to preparing the driver's car perfectly, but also to having a good personal connection with the man himself.

"You can only achieve your goals if you work together. Bruno recognises this philosophy, and in this context he's been able to prove he has nerves of steel.

"He's done unbelievably well. And I am, of course, very happy we were able to help him win his first DTM title."

Earlier DTM story	More news	Next DTM story