Tom Blomqvist secured his fourth P2 finish of the 2016 DTM season at the Nürburgring this weekend. Having recorded a podium finish in the twelfth round of the Championship last time out at the Moscow Raceway, Tom brought forward this momentum to record back-to-back podium finishes for the first time this season.
An impressive display behind the wheel of the Ice-Watch BMW M4 DTM, helped Blomqvist complete a BMW one-two at the front of the grid for Saturday’s race behind teammate Marco Wittman. Having qualified initially in P3, Tom was promoted to the front row after a grid penality was issued to Lucas Auer and fended off a number of attacks throughout the 40-minute race to remain in P2 at the race’s conclusion.
Having suffered a few issues in the earlier practice sessions that saw him placing towards the back of the grid, Blomqvist was highly complementary of how the BMW Team RBM responded to help him compete at the front of the pack.
“I am very happy with this result. We had a few problems in practice yesterday and today. However, BMW Team RBM got to grips with this magnificently by the time qualifying came around. The race was very tough with some close battles. I had to fend off a number of attacks. I managed that, and am very happy with the podium and the 18 points.”
BMW Motorsport Director, Jens Marquardt, was impressed with Blomqvist’s defensive work that safeguarded a BMW one-two, their second of the season.
“Tom Blomqvist also did a fantastic job. He was under pressure for the entire race, and pushed himself to the limit right to the finish.”
Sunday’s race saw BMW claim their 250th podium finish of its DTM history, but unfortunately for Tom this was not his as he had to settle for a P8 finish in the 14th round of the season.
Tom followed up his impressive performance on the Saturday with another good showing in qualifying which saw him start Sunday’s race from the second row. However, misfortune struck when Tom was hit from the side in the middle of the race which hampered his car’s performance from then on.
Despite this, Tom worked hard and ended up crossing the line in P8 and was pleased to secure more points for himself and his team.
“It was a tough race and a lot more difficult than yesterday. I didn’t start particularly well and I lost a few places in the first corners. Also the pace of the car was not quite right. I had one or two duels as well - so it was anything but an easy race. We will have a look to see why we were slower than yesterday. Overall, it was a good weekend. I am happy with getting 18 points for my second place, as well as four more points today.”
The weekend has seen BMW strengthen their grip at the top of the Manufacturers’ Championship with BMW Team RBM sitting third in the Team Championship. Tom has strengthened his hold on sixth position in the Drivers’ Championship with 93 points.
Tom returns to action in a fortnight’s time as the DTM travels to Budapest between the 23rd and 25th of September.
In association with MBP
