Bruno Spengler Wins All at Hockenheim DTM Finale

Photo Source: DTM

Concluding what has been another exciting tour for the DTM series, the race cars and teams return to the Hockenheimring, where the 2012 season started less than six months earlier. Despite starting the season as an early casualty of the opening 2012 DTM series event, Canadian driver Bruno Spengler (who had signed with the returning BMW squad late 2011 after a long time with Mercedes-Benz teams) roared back with three wins to challenge season-long points leader Gary Paffett.

Trekking out on the 4.574-kilometer long Hockenheim circuit on Saturday prior to Sunday’s main event, qualifying saw Gary Paffett muscled out a 2^nd fastest time in his Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe sponsored by THOMAS SABO. Bettering Spengler’s BMW M3 by just one position, the Brit Paffett only needed to finish ahead of Spengler to clinch the championship honours for a season of racing. Augusto Farfus took the pole for the DTM Hockenheim finale with a 1-minute, 34.140-second lap time.

 

Photo Source: DTM

While Paffett rested on the grid in prime position for his second DTM championship leading up to the start of 42 laps at Hockenheim, the contention for the 2012 series title immediately heated up. Due to a weak start by Gary Paffett, Bruno Spengler was able to storm by the Mercedes-Benz rival for the second place spot. Spengler’s BMW Bank M3 race car would waste little time displacing the fellow BMW Augusto Farfus from the race lead by the end of lap 1.

Dropping to as low as fourth position, Gary Paffett recovered to second place before the halfway point of the event and would put up a formidable challenge against the leading BMW of Bruno Spengler. Never able to stretch a lead of more than 3.6 seconds under race conditions, Spengler would be able to read the inverted THOMAS SABO lettering in his mirrors often throughout the event. By lap 36, Gary Paffett had closed to within 1.2 seconds of the Canadian Spengler and prepared to give the BMW Bank car a late-race battle for the event victory as well as the all-important championship. Resisting the challenge, Bruno Spengler added some more speed to his BMW M3 creeping away from the Mercedes-Benz race car. Crossing the line 2.2 seconds in the lead to win the Hockenheim event, Bruno Spengler (a 29-year old driver defined in media as “The Secret Canadian”) celebrated the end of his 8^th season in DTM racing with his first driver championship.

Photo Source: DTM

Finishing 2^nd on two occasions in yearly title chases, Spengler had seen the DTM championship slip away from him in 7 previous seasons in the largely German-based racing tour. However, in 2012, it was finally Bruno Spengler‘s turn to be crowned the DTM driver champion. "My pulse was really racing." said the victorious Spengler that overcame a slow start to the 2012 DTM series to win the championship. "Thank you to BMW Team Schnitzer. My team did a great job all season. Once again, everything went exactly to plan today. In a race, in which we were under extreme pressure, the team did another amazing job on the pit stops. You never win on your own – only as part of a team. I am totally confused and have no idea how I should be feeling. Standing on the top step of the podium, raising the trophy to the sky and seeing all the many fans cheering for me is an amazing experience. I have waited for this for so many years. It is simply sensational.”

Gary Paffett applied a solid fight to Bruno Spengler in this final race at Hockenheim that did not go unnoticed by the victorious Canadian. “Congratulations to my rival Gary Paffett, who performed brilliantly throughout the entire season and put up a fair fight. He would also have been a worthy champion. He is a great sportsman. He put me under a lot of pressure in the final race today. I spent a lot of time looking in the rear-view mirror and he just kept getting closer. However, I was able to maintain my pace and close the race out.” said Spengler.

Photo Source: DTM

By a matter of four points, Gary Paffett had to settle for a runner-up spot in the 2012 DTM championship. “My team has done brilliantly well this season in terms of performance and it is very unfortunate that we missed winning the championship title in the last race by four points.” said Paffett after the Hockenheim event. A winner of a DTM championship in 2005, Gary Paffett doubt with the narrow 2012 season title loss in stride saying, “So in the immediate aftermath of the race, disappointment sits deep, of course, because from my point of view we deserved to win the championship title just as much as Bruno Spengler and BMW. Congratulations to Bruno on his first DTM title! We will go on the attack again next year to take the championship.“



2012 DTM Series
Hockenheimring
Race Results

Pos #	Driver	Nationality	Race Organization	Car Make
1	Bruno Spengler	Canada	BMW Team Schnitzer	BMW M3
2	Gary Paffett	England	THOMAS SABO	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
3	Augusto Farfus	Brazil	BMW Team RBM	BMW M3
4	Jamie Green	England	Mercedes AMG	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
5	Dirk Werner	Germany	BMW Team Schnitzer	BMW M3
6	Edoardo Mortara	Italy	Audi Sport Team Rosberg	Audi A5
7	Andy Priaulx	Guernsey (Britain)	BMW Team RBM	BMW M3
8	Joey Hand	United States	BMW Team RMG	BMW M3
9	Ralf Schumacher	Germany	Mercedes AMG	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
10	Christian Vietoris	Germany	Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
11	Filipe Albuquerque	Portugal	Audi Sport Team Rosberg	Audi A5
12	Timo Scheider	Germany	Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline	Audi A5
13	Susie Wolff	Scotland	TV Spielfilm Mercedes AMG	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
14	Martin Tomczyk	Germany	BMW Team RMG	BMW M3
15	Roberto Merhi	Spain	Junge Sterne Mercedes AMG	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
16	Rahel Frey	Switzerland	Audi Sport Team Abt	Audi A5
17	Miguel Molina	Spain	Audi Sport Team Phoenix	Audi A5
18	David Coulthard	Scotland	DHL Paket Mercedes AMG	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
19	Robert Wickens	Canada	stern Mercedes AMG	Mercedes AMG C-Coupé
20	Mattias Ekström	Sweden	Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline	Audi A5
21	Mike Rockenfeller	Germany	Audi Sport Team Phoenix	Audi A5
22	Adrien Tambay	France	Audi Sport Team Abt	Audi A5

Exclusive Interview: Canadian ALMS Driver Kyle Marcelli



Photo supplied by Kyle Marcelli

Two weekends ago, the streets of Toronto was consumed by the action surrounding the 2012 Honda Indy. Within the major league open wheel IZOD INDYCAR Series competing on the temporary street circuit, many Canadian eyes rested on the efforts of Toronto-born and raised driver James Hinchcliffe. As the IZOD INDYCAR Series circus departed Toronto without a favourable outcome for Hinchcliffe, nearby Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (previously known as Mosport International Raceway) hosts professional sports cars under the American Le Mans Series banner with another stand-out young Canuck eager for victory at home soil.

At 22 years old, Kyle Marcelli has three years of experience in the American Le Mans Series' Prototype Challenge category (a one-class competition containing only Oreca chassis powered by Chevrolet engines). In 2011, he co-drove his way to a total of three major sports car racing class victories. Of the three, there was a class win in the European Le Mans Series 6 Hours of Imola that ultimately became Kyle Marcelli's first big league sports car victory. After two years at Intersport Racing, Marcelli joined the newly-formed Merchant Services Racing LMPC class team for 2012 assembled by his Imola win co-driver Chapman Ducote. A class pole in the last race at Lime Rock Park has been a highlight for what has been a difficult start to the 2012 American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season.



1RM: What have been your icons as you have developed your career in motorsports?KM: On the race track I look up to guys like Ron Fellows, a first generation race driver that found his passion for the sport and did everything it took to be successful. For Ron, I know it required taking a few years off to work in the northern mines to earn some money to get back behind the wheel. When he was behind the wheel, he was driven to be a winner. Off the track, my dad is a big inspiration. He is an extremely hard working man, I get my passion, persistence, dedication and hard work ethics from him.

　

1RM: Last year was, by definition, a breakthrough era as you were part of the winning driving team in a class category at Imola. Winning a major event, was there anything unique you have learned about yourself after the accomplishment?KM: 2011 was definitely a successful year of competition for me. I earned two ALMS pole positions and race wins as well as my first ELMS race win. 2011 marked the first time in my career that I was back in the same car for a second season. I was always told while moving through the ranks that you should plan on two years at each level. The first as a learning year and the second as a year to win the championship. For me that really clicked in during 2011. I was so confident and comfortable in the car and I think it really showed in my performances.

Photo Credit: Oreca

　

1RM: You have earned a reputation as being a fast driver in the largely spec LMPC class. What is most difficult, driving fast in a sports car or the endurance aspect of racing?KM: Thank You. The LMPC category is a spec class, each team is working with the same equipment so it really comes down to the driver and engineer to get the most out of the machine. The professional drivers on each team are very close in speed, to be the fastest it really takes a perfect lap. For me its very rewarding to put in a perfect lap and get the most of the race car, words cant describe the sensation.

　

1RM: Sponsorship is obviously a big component in major, modern motorsports. Besides winning on the race track, what do you believe are key factors companies have looked for from you?KM: That's correct, this is a very expensive sport for the race teams and manufactures. There is no right or wrong answer to what it takes for companies to want to be involved. The goals are really different for everyone. However, I'd say the number one factor that companies look for in a race driver aside from being fast is personality. At the end of the day we are representing a brand and the better you can do that the more companies will take a liking to you.

Photo supplied by Kyle Marcelli

　

1RM: What do you think is one thing motorsport fans may not fully grasp about the career of a race car driver?KM: The number one thing that fans may not fully grasp about the career of a race driver is one the sacrifice and time that is put into building your career and two is the travel and time away from home, friends and family. Like professional sport, you literally need to dedicate you entire life for the chance at being successful. That said, I believe that if you work hard enough and want it bad enough, dreams do come true.

　

1RM: Sports car racing is a very international sport. Do you think that you are racing for your country as much as you are racing for yourself, teams and sponsors?KM: Very good question. The simple answer is "Yes". I'm a very proud Canadian and the only Canadian currently competing full-time in the American Le Mans Series. For me this is very important and I do feel like I am racing for not only myself but my country.

Photo supplied by Kyle Marcelli

　

1RM: What is your general assessment of motorsports in Canada?KM: Motorsports in Canada seems to be pretty dull. For what ever reason, Canadian's just don't seem to have the same passion for the sport as other counties in the world do. That said, it's amazing how many talented race drivers Canada has produced.


1RM: If you had an opportunity to run another form of auto racing, what would be your preference?KM: Next to sports car and prototype endurance racing for me would be Indy Car. I'm very content to stay at this level of auto racing, however Indy Car is on the radar.

　

1RM: If you could have driven in any era of sports car racing and drove any type of race car in competition, when and what type of vehicle?
KM: If I could have driven in any era of sports car racing, I would choose the mid to late 90's. I'm a big fan of Porsche's Le Mans winning 911 GT1 race car. Its such an attractive piece of machinery and proved itself to be the car to beat on the track as well. It wouldamazing to get behind the wheel.


Kyle Marcelli will be competing in both the American Le Mans Series 2-hour, 45-minute event and the two Porsche GT3 Cup Canada Series races this weekend with the #9 car.

Briscoe Toasts an INDYCAR Series Win in Sonoma Wine Country

Photo Credit: INDYCAR/LAT USA

The third to last event on the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series calendar, the Sonoma region of California hosted a 85-lap contest of turbocharged, open wheel racing during a pivotal time in the rapidly passing season.

Retuning to action after a three-week hiatus, the IZOD INDYCAR Series drivers and teams entered the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma knowing they’re proceeding into the homestretch of their 2012 season. Drivers Will Power, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Helio Castroneves, and Scott Dixon approached the hilly 2.385-mile California road course with the knowledge that you miscue could desperately impact their chance of hoisting the overall IZOD INDYCAR Series championship trophy.

Taking his fourth pole in the 2012 season, Australian Will Power placed his Chevrolet-powered #12 Team Penske car at the front of an event he had won the previous two years. A 1-2 start of Team Penske cars with Power’s teammate Ryan Briscoe claiming the second-fastest time in qualifying, the third Roger Penske-owned machine piloted by Helio Castroneves would gain unfavourable attention once the green flag dropped. Starting 4^th, Castroneves made contact with championship rival Scott Dixon’s #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing car in the turn 7 area of the Sonoma racetrack. Contact that amounted to Dixon spinning on-track losing ground to the lead of the field early, the #3 car of Helio Castroneves would himself be plucked from the front of the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma when the IZOD INDYCAR Series assessed the Brazilian driver a penalty. Serving a drive-through penalty in the pit lane, Castroneves would make his way back through the race field to 6^th place at the end of 85 laps.

 

Photo Credit: F. Peirce Williams.LAT Photo USA/Honda

 

 

With the first 65 laps of the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma passing without a single yellow flag, the Team Penske race cars of Will Power and Ryan Briscoe were supreme to the rest of the IZOD INDYCAR contenders. Will Power was in control for much of the event reflected in a 8.44-second lead he had on teammate Briscoe on lap 50.

Contrasting the fortune of the Team Penske organization, the other IZOD INDYCAR superteam of Andretti Autosport suffered bad luck for 2 of its 3 entries. Canadian James Hinchcliffe retired from the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma on lap 35 due to an engine problem. Hinchcliffe’s exit in the #27 car would be followed 11 laps later by Marco Andretti. Only Andretti Autosport car left was the championship-contending driver Ryan Hunter-Reay.

The GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma’s first caution would be the result of a scary collision in turn 8 section of the road course. Colliding entering the corner, the #7 of Sebastien Bourdais and he #67 driven by Josef Newgarden sailed into an outer retaining wall. Despite a severe impact with the concrete wall, both drivers escaped major injury. However, it was determined after the race that Josef Newgarden did suffer an injury to his left index finger. His Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing team opted to place Bruno Junqueira for the upcoming Labour day weekend street course race in Baltimore.

As the field operated under its first full-course caution, this incident would be defining for the event. Two laps prior to the Bourdais/Newgarden accident, the leader Will Power had pitted relinquishing the lead to the #2 car of teammate Ryan Briscoe.

Restarting on lap 74, the late laps of the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma would claim other championship-contending driver when an overly ambitious move performed by Alex Tagliani led to contact with the #28 car of Ryan Hunter-Reay. INDYCAR race control penalized the Canadian driver Tagliani but Hunter-Reay lost a potential top-5 finishing a disappointing 18^th place with only two races remaining to compete for the series’ overall championship.

Photo Credit: Camden Thrasher.LAT Photo USA/Honda

With his newfound advantage over teammate Will Power, Ryan Briscoe soared away on the race’s final restart at Sonoma winning his first IZOD INDYCAR race since the 2010 race at Texas Motor speedway. As the 2012 had been reaching an end, Briscoe’s presence with Team Penske for 2013 and beyond has been much questioned. With the victory in the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma, the Australian driver Ryan Briscoe has allowed Team Penske to have all three drivers in the 2012 winner’s circle.

Chevrolet-powered contenders in the IZOD INDYCAR Series led every lap in the GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma acting as additional garnish to locking up the engine manufacturer championship for 2012. A season where the Bowtie brand has won 9 of the 13 races so far in the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series, Chevrolet’s battle against tour mainstay Honda and the limited resources of Lotus is a triumphant return to a series they were absent from since the end of 2005. Chevrolet’s open wheel racing is made possible with a twin-turbocharged, 2.2 liter V-6 engine the auto company says reflects the technology currently being implemented in production cars for the street.

Next race for the 2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series is a Labour Day weekend Sunday race on the streets of Baltimore.

　

2012 IZOD INDYCAR Series
GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma
Race Results

	Car #	Driver	Driver Nationality	Race Team	Engine Supplier
1	2	Ryan Briscoe	Australia	Team Penske	Chevrolet
2	12	Will Power	Australia	Team Penske	Chevrolet
3	10	Dario Franchitti	Scotland	Target/Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda
4	8	Rubens Barrichello	Brazil	KV Racing Technology	Chevrolet
5	38	Graham Rahal	United States	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda
6	3	Helio Castroneves	Brazil	Team Penske	Chevrolet
7	77	Simon Pagenaud	France	Schmidt-Hamilton Motorsports	Honda
8	4	JR Hildebrand	United States	Panther Racing	Chevrolet
9	98	Alex Tagliani	Canada	Bryan Herta Autosport with Curb Agajanian	Honda
10	11	Tony Kanaan	Brazil	KV Racing Technology	Chevrolet
11	18	Justin Wilson	England	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda
12	19	James Jakes	England	Dale Coyne Racing	Honda
13	9	Scott Dixon	New Zealand	Target/Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda
14	14	Mike Conway	England	AJ Foyt Enterprises	Honda
15	17	Sebastian Saavedra	Columbia	Team AFS	Chevrolet
16	5	EJ Viso	Venezuela	KV Racing Technology	Chevrolet
17	78	Simona de Silvestro	Switzerland	Lotus-HVM Racing	Lotus
18	28	Ryan Hunter-Reay	United States	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet
19	22	Oriol Servia	Spain	Dreyer & Reinbold Racing	Chevrolet
20	20	Ed Carpenter	United States	Ed Carpenter Racing	Chevrolet
21	83	Charlie Kimball	United States	Chip Ganassi Racing	Honda
22	7	Sebastien Bourdais	France	Dragon Racing	Chevrolet
23	67	Josef Newgarden	United States	Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing	Honda
24	6	Katherine Legge	England	Dragon Racing	Chevrolet
25	26	Marco Andretti	United States	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet
26	27	James Hinchcliffe	Canada	Andretti Autosport	Chevrolet
27	15	Takuma Sato	Japan	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing	Honda