BMW Team RMG with their two-time DTM champion Marco Wittmann celebrate the maiden victory of the turbo era.

Schaeffler and BMW M Motorsport made a hugely successful start to the 2019 DTM season. Marco Wittmann, at the wheel of the Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM, converted pole position into victory at the season-opener in Hockenheim on Saturday, giving BMW Team RMG and the two-time DTM champion cause to celebrate after the very first race of the new partnership between Schaeffler and BMW M Motorsport.

The “GreenMachine” was unbeatable in wet conditions at the iconic 4.574-kilometre circuit. Wittmann followed his win with eighth place on Sunday, rounding off a successful weekend in Hockenheim. After two races, the man from Fürth leads the Drivers’ Championship with 34 points.

Matthias Zink: “The new partnership could hardly have got off to a better start.”

Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive OEM Schaeffler, was understandably positive in his appraisal of the weekend. “I think you could call that a dream start,” he said. “The new partnership with BMW M Motorsport could hardly have got off to a better start. Marco Wittmann showed, particularly with his victory in the rain on Saturday, why he has twice ended the season as champion: Classy driving, nerves of steel, and a strong team behind him. The Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM has proven from the word go that it has what it takes to win races, despite all the innovations in the 2019 DTM season. That gives you an appetite for the rest of this year’s races.”

Wittmann was also more than satisfied with the opening round in Hockenheim. “A new car, our new partner Schaeffler, and many amendments to the rules: It feels awesome to start with the first victory in the new turbo era in the DTM,” said the two-time DTM champion.

“While I had to battle hard for my points on Sunday, everything came together perfectly on Saturday. Enormous praise must go to BMW Team RMG. Everybody there has done a super job. The preparations for the season were tough and tiring. That only serves to make the joy all the greater when you are successful together at the first attempt. That also goes for the partnership with Schaeffler. I am very proud to have put the Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM to the very fore in its first outing. Long may it continue this way.”

The 2019 DTM season continues on 18th/19th May when Zolder, Belgium, hosts races three and four.