Jens Marquardt (BMW Motorsport Director):
“The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring is a very special event for us. The enthusiasm the fans show towards BMW is more tangible there than at almost any other race. Traditionally, almost a third of the starting field is made up of BMW privateers, which just goes to show the huge importance for BMW Customer Racing. The crowds are there to enjoy a huge motorsport party – out on the track, we are obviously keen to give them a few good reasons to celebrate. It is hard to predict the balance of power. There are a lot of GT3 cars there that could challenge for the overall victory, and then there is bound to be the odd surprise package. During our preparations, we have seen that the BMW Z4 GT3 performs very well on the Nordschleife. If our teams are to be in with a shout, then everything must come together. Only those who complete the marathon without any major mistakes have any chance of scoring a really top result. I have every faith that we can do just that. Fans of BMW M are once again in for a real treat, as the M Festival returns in 2012. It goes without saying that we want a good result to celebrate the 40th anniversary of M. That is why our drivers and teams are working so hard. However, we are all aware that the Nordschleife has its own rules. I will be following the race closely from Brands Hatch.”
Jörg Müller (BMW Team Schubert, car number 19):
“The 24-hour race is unique. Every year without fail I look forward to being a part of this classic and experiencing the fans’ enthusiasm at close hand. Victory at the VLN season-opener and pole position in the third round has definitely shown what a good basis the BMW Z4 GT3 provides for the outing on the Nordschleife. In order to convert this potential into a good race result, however, everything must come together perfectly. Perfect teamwork is the platform for success – and I have absolutely nothing to worry about in that regard with BMW Team Schubert.”
Uwe Alzen (BMW Team Schubert, car number 19):
“Even after so many years, the Nürburgring 24 Hours is still the biggest race there is for me. I would even put it above Le Mans in my personal list of favourite events. It is hard to say where we stand compared to the opposition. We will only get a really clear picture once we are a few hours into the race. There are a lot of strong cars in the SP9 class. However, neither BMW Team Schubert nor we drivers have anything to be afraid of.”
Dirk Adorf (BMW Team Schubert, car number 19/20):
“The 24-hour race is always a highlight for me. There is a great atmosphere around the circuit. What make it so attractive are the many different cars and the quality of the drivers. It is an amazing feeling to drive on the Nordschleife at night, when you can smell the barbecues and see the camp fires. This race is a real adventure. This year will be my 20th start at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, and I would like to celebrate my first win at last. However, there are a lot of other drivers and teams with exactly the same goal. The BMW Z4 GT3 is a reliable car and has the necessary speed, so I hope we can have a say in what happens at the front of the field.”
Claudia Hürtgen (BMW Team Schubert, car number 20):
“The 24-hour race is the highlight of the 2012 season. We have been preparing intensely for it. A podium finish is a realistic target. Of course, the top step is always the best. You also need a bit of luck at a 24-hour race, however. If we can get through without any problems, then we are definitely capable of achieving great things.”
Marco Wittmann (BMW Team Vita4One, car number 18):
“I have driven in the VLN Endurance Championship to get a feel for the Nordschleife. The four-hour races are also a good basis with which to prepare for the long-distance marathon. It is all about perfecting procedures during pit stops, technical things, and the interaction with your fellow drivers. You are simply trying to eliminate as many possible sources of errors as possible. We have a good package. The preparatory races all went positively. I am now really looking forward to my first 24-hour race in the Eifel Mountains.”
Richard Göransson (BMW Team Vita4One, car number 18):
“For me, it is always fantastic to travel to the Nürburgring 24 Hours. We have a great car, a great team, and I have good team-mates, with whom I will hopefully challenge for a great result. The team does not have a huge amount of experience on the Nordschleife. That is why we have tried, successfully, to get to know both the car and the circuit during the preparations.”
Pedro Lamy (BMW Team Vita4One, car number 17/18):
“It is nice to return to the Nordschleife. In the past, I have always been competitive there with BMW and have achieved good results. I hope the same can be said again this year. I am very happy with the BMW Z4 GT3. The race will be a long one. Some of my team-mates have experience, others don’t. For that reason, it is difficult to make any predictions. We practiced together in the VLN. That is immensely important, as you do not have a chance unless you are perfectly prepared for a 24-hour race.”
Source : BMW Motorsport