Mr. Marquardt, the 2012 season has begun with a number of victories for the BMW Z4 GT3. What makes this car so special?
Jens Marquardt: “The BMW Z4 GT3 had already shown impressive pedigree over the past two years, both at endurance and sprint races. You could see that this car had great potential. Over the winter break we made many detailed improvements to the Z4. The result is a strong overall package, which allows our customers to compete at the front of the GT class. The high level of customer demand just goes to show that, in the BMW Z4 GT3, we have an extremely competitive product on the market.”
How fierce is the competition in the GT3 class?
Marquardt: “The GT3 class has established itself at the top of GT sport in recent years. The fact that an FIA World Championship is incorporating the GT3 format is proof enough of its increasing importance. Given the strength in depth within this class, a company like BMW, which is traditionally very active in customer racing, simply has to be represented in GT3.”
The BMW Sports Trophy is now in its 51st season. How important is this competition to you?
Marquardt: “The BMW Sports Trophy is more than just a competition. It is a symbol of the team spirit in the much-heralded BMW Motorsport family. Privateers are very important to us, as their strong performances and successes make them great ambassadors for the brand. That is apparent every year when we present the trophies to the most successful drivers at the end of the season. This year, as well as the handsome sum of 250,000 Euros in prize money, we are also offering the winner a very special prize: a test drive in a BMW M3 DTM.”
What other cars are available?
Marquardt: “The BMW 320 TC and BMW M3 GT4 complete our Customer Racing range. After a very promising 2011 season in the World Touring Car Championship, we are once again represented by strong privateer teams this year, who have put their faith in the BMW 320 TC and will be going up against thoroughbred works teams. The BMW M3 GT4 will also see action around the world, and has proven to be a very successful model in production-based motorsport.”
Source : BMW Motorsport