Schaeffler Announces Its New DTM Partner--BMW M Motorsport

- Two-time DTM champion and BMW works driver Marco Wittmann to compete in the Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM in 2019.

- Matthias Zink: “We are delighted to be opening a new chapter in our history in this series together with BMW, built on decades of trusting cooperation.”

The coming DTM season will see a strong new partnership for Schaeffler AG: As part of their long-term cooperation, Schaeffler will start the 2019 DTM season as the new premium partner to BMW M Motorsport. The Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM (based on the 600-plus horsepower car from BMW team RMG) will sport the distinctive green-and-white design at 18 races during the course of the year with two-time DTM champion Marco Wittmann at the wheel.

Zink: “Motor racing is a very important commitment for Schaeffler.”

By delivering high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications, as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications, the Schaeffler Group is already shaping “Mobility for tomorrow” to a significant degree. Since its beginnings, the Schaeffler company has been characterized by groundbreaking innovations and global customer orientation.

Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive OEM at Schaeffler, explains: “Successful involvement in various racing series has always been of great importance for Schaeffler – and we are expanding our base with this new collaboration with BMW Motorsport in the DTM. The DTM is and remains a powerful platform, and its future prospects are very positive. We are delighted to be opening a new chapter in our history in this series together with BMW, built on decades of trusting partnership.”

The new season as a partner to BMW M Motorsport starts on May 4

“When it comes to automobiles and motorsport, Schaeffler is a global player just like us. That makes this a perfect combination”, says BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Generating points of contact for extensive cooperations with our partners that go far beyond basic branding is always an important criterion for us. In the case of Schaeffler, that is completely fulfilled. Our two companies already have a close relationship in the volume production of cars, and we are now extending that relationship to the race track.”

The 2019 DTM season is set to begin on May 4 in Hockenheim (GER) and will include 18 races held over nine weekends. Further stops in Zolder (BEL), Misano (ITA), the Norisring (GER), Assen (NL), Brands Hatch (GBR), the Lausitzring (GER), and the Nürburgring (GER) will follow before the series returns to Hockenheim for the grand finale on October 5 and 6.