The effort involved in setting up and dismantling equipment, in particular, should not be underestimated. BMW Team RMG takes four trucks holding a total of 30 tons of equipment to each race. That includes the three BMW M4 DTMs, as well as a host of spare parts, tools, wheels, superstructures for the pit wall, and workplaces for the engineers. It takes roughly two days to load all the trucks for a race weekend, travel to the circuit and unload the trucks there. Setting up the garages then takes another six to eight hours.
In the weeks between the double-headers, the teams can stay at the circuit to perform the obligatory revisions that take place after each race weekend. This includes dismantling the BMW M4 DTM to check all the parts for wear and possible damage. The time available for this may be shorter than in a normal season, when the teams would have at least one weekend between races, but it is sufficient for the routine checks – provided everything has gone to plan on the previous race weekend. However, Reinhold always has one eye on possible additional challenges: “Avoiding any major damage will be particularly important this season, as time can become tight if you have to replace mechanical parts or many chassis parts.”
Whatever happens, it is going to be an intensive time for BMW Team RMG and all the other DTM teams. However, Reinhold is in determined and confident mood. “The compact season is obviously going to be strenuous for the whole team. However, the current situation gives us no choice,” said Reinhold. “Despite the extraordinary circumstances, we are well prepared. The main thing is that we are able to go racing at all, as that’s ultimately why we are involved in motorsport.”