BMW satisfied with performance of M3 DTM after Lausitz group test

The M3 DTM was driven at Lausitz on Monday and Tuesday by Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus - who will race the car next year - plus BMW GT regulars Dirk and Jorg Muller.

BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt said that although the initial performance of the 2012 machine - which had previously tested in private - was encouraging, a lot more work will be done before the start of next season before any manufacturer can get a clear picture of where it stands.

"We can look back positively on the test at the Lausitzring," said BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt.

"Our four drivers got a lot of kilometres under their belts at the Lausitzring and collected a lot of data. It was interesting to test together with our rivals for the first time, although it is still too early to make any real comparisons between the manufacturers."

BMW's quartet of drivers focused on reliability testing of the more than 50 common parts that each manufacturer must use under the DTM's new low-cost technical rules next year, and on testing various specifications of Hankook tyre.

Jorg Muller said: "As a driver, you obviously have to get used to a car like this. The BMW M3 DTM is very responsive and is unbelievably good turning into corners. You can feel the immense downforce in the fast corners. We spent a lot of time on the track on Tuesday and learned a lot."

The BMW is next scheduled to test at the Hungaroring on September 21-22 with Priaulx, Farfus, Dirk Muller and Dirk Werner all expected to drive.