Bruno, you are totally crazy about sport, so the BMW Bank Winter Challenge must have been a dream come true for you…
Bruno Spengler: “Absolutely! The scenery at Königssee and in Saalfelden alone, which was the backdrop for this exceptional competition, was fantastic. To set the mood, on the first evening, we held an ice kart challenge and went on a torch-lit hike to an Alpine meadow. This encouraged real team spirit. Then the actual competition day was on Saturday. We competed in three disciplines – a biathlon, luge and in a BMW Driving Experience. It was a fantastic experience to line up against Fritz and Georg. They are legends in their sports. They have won a combined total of eight medals at the Olympic Games and have been world champions 12 times. That is an impressive record. And they are both fantastic people. We got on really well. Despite the cold temperatures, a lot of sweat was flowing, as was plenty of adrenalin. The three of us are extremely competitive people who always give 100 percent and want to win. In the end, Fritz and his team just edged it, but the result is not that important. The focus was on fun, and we had plenty of that at the Winter Challenge. There was a lot of laughter. The prize-giving ceremony hosted by Magdalena Neuner in the mountain village of Priesteregg in the evening was a fantastic surprise and a brilliant way to round off the event for everyone involved.”
Does this type of competition help you keep fit for the upcoming DTM season, even though the focus is on fun?
Spengler: “Definitely, every type of sporting activity helps prepare for the season. If you aren’t fit, you have no chance in the DTM. You can only win races when you are at your peak both physically and mentally. That’s why I always go full throttle in winter. When cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Canada, I lay the foundations for the season in terms of endurance. However, my perfect sport is biathlon. The shooting exercises help me remain focussed, even when my pulse rate is extremely high.”
What are your expectations going into the 2016 DTM season?
Spengler: “We have to wait and see where we are compared to our competitors. I want to get the best out of myself and my car – that’s my first goal for the 2016 season. I may have been the best BMW driver again in 2015 and able to win a few podium positions, but I was unable to get a victory. I want to change that in the coming season. For me there is nothing better than standing at the very top of the podium after a race. That’s what I live for.”