The 2019 DTM season promises nothing but thrills. BMW and the series as a whole are heading into a new era with the Class 1 regulations. The four-cylinder turbo engines provide even more power and generate yet more goosebumps with their unique sound. The introduction of the push-to-pass function also promises to deliver extra excitement and more overtaking manoeuvres. DTM fans can also look forward to seeing some new faces in 2019. Rookie Sheldon van der Linde will be sporting the BMW M Motorsport colours. The South African driver will be competing for BMW Team RBM alongside Joel Eriksson and Philipp Eng. BMW Team RMG will be represented in the races by three experienced drivers, all of whom have tasted success in the past: Marco Wittmann, Timo Glock and Bruno Spengler. Zolder and Assen are the two new circuits on the calendar. The very first DTM race took place at Zolder in 1984, while this is the first time that the ‘Cathedral of Speed’ at Assen has featured in the DTM.

After BMW Motorsport made the decision to return to the DTM, Stefan Reinhold and his new company applied to become one of the competing teams. In the spring of 2011, Reinhold Motorsport GmbH was awarded a place and preparations for competition then began in earnest. After working through a learning phase, the team soon tasted success. Two DTM drivers’ titles with Marco Wittmann, as well as one win and two second places in the DTM team standings are the impressive results recorded by the Reinhold’s team. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Andernach team was the most successful BMW Motorsport crew. Timo Glock, Bruno Spengler and Marco Wittmann will be bringing a host of experience with them when they race for RMG in 2019.

BMW has always played a prominent role in the Mampaey family. In the 1970s, Julien Mampaey operated the successful JUMA racing team – and claimed victory at the historic 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps three times with BMW cars. His son Bart was to set to better even those successes. In 1995, he founded BMW Team RBM. The letters RBM stand for Racing Bart Mampaey. In 2012, the Mechelen team appeared for BMW in the DTM for the first time – having already gained recognition for winning the European Touring Car Championship title in 2004 and triple world championship (WTCC) triumphs from 2005 to 2007. In Valencia, Augusto Farfus provided BMW Team RBM with a first win in the DTM debut season. Farfus improved again in 2013, finishing second in the drivers’ standings after three wins. In 2019, RBM will be fielding two hungry youngsters when rookie Sheldon van der Linde and Joel Eriksson line up on the grid. Alongside them will be Philipp Eng – two-time winner of the Spa 24 Hours.