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BMW teams fail to seal the deal in WTCC and ALMS races

Monday, 03. 23. 2009  –  Category: Aftermarket News, Main

Despite promising results in qualifying for the second race of the WTCC season, in Puebla, Mexico, BMW drivers Priaulx and Farfus could not convert their front row grids positions into race wins. Swede Rickard Rydell managed to eke out a win in his SEAT in Race 1, which saw a number of minor incidents. Farfus secured 2nd, with Priaulx’s 3rd making it two BMW drivers on the podium.
Race 2 saw Tarquini penalized 30 seconds for a shunt involving Jorg Muller, dropping him to 18th. SEAT has appealed this decision, and a final verdict is still pending. Yvan Muller’s SEAT took the checkered, despite a late charge by Priaulx, whose fastest lap had been a full second faster in Race 1 than any SEAT driver could muster.

Rahal Letterman Racing BMW M3

Over at the American Le Mans Series 12-hour race at Sebring results were more disappointing, with the Rahal Letterman Racing team seeing both their E92 M3’s out of the race before the halfway mark. The #90 BMW was out of commission due to an oil leak, the 92 car sidelined due to breaking something after a post-pitstop launch. Until that point both cars had been competitive, with Milner running as high as 2nd in GT2.

“Sebring bettered us today, but it will definitely make us better,” said Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsports Manager. “Strategy, consistency and reliability are the keys to success here and it’s hard for a new car to be perfectly reliable. We know all BMW fans share our disappointment and we thank everyone who came out to cheer us on and be part of our return to the ALMS. Sebring is a big race, but BMW did not return for only one race. We came back for the season and are looking forward to Round Two.”

Bobby Rahal, Team Principal, added, “For almost half the race we put on a good show for all the BMW fans here at Sebring. To run as high as second, and for a number of hours, in our debut race is a very good sign and a testament to the team we have put together. Yes, we are disappointed, but on to St. Pete. Focus forward.”

Tags: 320si, ALMS, American Le Mans Series, BMW, BMW 320si, BMW M3, Farfus, M3, Priaulx, Touring Car, WTCC