Andy Priaulx looking forward to DTM

New DTM BMW recruit says he is determined to establish himself in the series this year and is already relishing an outing at Brands Hatch on May 18-20.

The three-time World Touring Car champion from Guernsey will make his DTM debut this season as part of the new BMW team, alongside reigning champion Martin Tomcyk and Bruno Spengler. Moving to the DTM presents a whole new challenge for Priaulx and it is one he is eagerly anticipating, with the trip to Brands Hatch on 18-20 May a major highlight. Despite the lack of DTM experience the 38-year-old is confident he can make a name for himself in the German based series.  

Andy Priaulx said: "I can't wait to be representing BMW in one of the fastest touring car championships in the world. I've won the European and World Touring Car championships so the goal now is to become DTM champion. It is all new regulations and I'm hoping to establish myself as a DTM driver as soon as possible. Obviously Bruno Spengler has been with Mercedes for many years, similar to Martin Tomcyk who was with Audi. In a way they are joining my family at BMW so that is not going to be easy for them either, but they do have the upper hand in terms of DTM experience. I'm really excited by the challenge and I can't wait to race at Brands Hatch.  

"Brands Hatch is always special because it is my home race. I've raced in Europe for so many years now it is nice to have at least one race in the UK. I watched DTM there last year and I can't wait to drive a DTM car around the Indy circuit. I'm sure it will be a frantic race. I've had some great races but there is no such thing as a home track anymore. The guys have all been to Brands so it shouldn't make much difference but going to your home track is always a good feeling."   

Priaulx's BMW team face a huge challenge to be on the pace with DTM stalwarts Mercedes and Audi in 2012 after an absence of almost 20 years from the championship. However, the popular Brit believes it won't take long for his team to hit the ground running this season.      

He added: "We are realistic with our expectations. We are expecting the best and planning for the worst. Without a doubt we have the right people on board and we can be very competitive, it is just going to be a matter of time. The first thing is to be competitive and then worry about wins after that. BMW is not going to come into the DTM if they were not serious about it. With three of the biggest manufacturers in Germany going head-to-head the racing is going to be exciting, it really doesn't get any better than this. It's going to be a real big scrap out there."