WTCC 09 - BMW title challenger Farfus:

• 13.11.2009
• Press Release

Munich, 13th November 2009. When BMW Team Germany’s Augusto Farfus (BR) takes to the track in Macau (CN) on 22nd November for the finale of the 2009 FIA World Touring Car Championship, he still has a chance of following in the footsteps of Roberto Ravaglia (IT, 1987) and Andy Priaulx (GB, 2005-2007) by claiming the fifth drivers’ title for BMW in the World Touring Car Championship. In an interview, the 26-year-old speaks about his season so far and the final two races at the “Guia Circuit”.

Augusto, what are your thoughts as you travel to the WTCC finale in Macau?

Augusto Farfus: “Firstly, I am happy to go into the finale with a chance of winning the World Championship title. The situation in the Manufacturers’ Championship is even closer. BMW and I will do everything in our power to win both titles in Macau and bring them back to Munich. We are realistic enough to know that this will by no means be easy. Personally, however, I have nothing to lose and will give it my very best shot.”

Five victories and three pole positions: are you happy with your performance so far this season?

Farfus: “Yes, all in all I am happy with my performance. However, the one blot on my record this season is Brno. I made a mistake there and lost valuable points. I don’t think I am the only driver that has happened to this season though. Unfortunately in my case it was clear for everyone to see, as I had started from pole position. Apart from that, my results have been okay.”

If Brno was the low point this year, what was the highlight?

Farfus: “I had a very good weekend in Pau, where I finished runner-up twice and scored 16 points. However, victories always mean more to every driver. With that in mind, my strongest performance probably came at Brands Hatch. I was hit in the first corner of the first race and fell a long way back down the field. It seemed as though everything was lost. However, I improved to eighth place and then won the second race. That was immensely important, and there was a lot of pressure.”

SEAT still has two irons in the fire. How much of an advantage is this?

Farfus: “It goes without saying that Gabriele Tarquini and Yvan Muller are in a significantly better position. If I remember correctly, however, Macau has always produced a lot of surprises. Thirteen points is a large deficit, but I will be trying to ensure I am in the right position to take advantage if the two drivers ahead of me show any weaknesses or get in each other’s way.”

Could the three Chevrolet drivers tip the scales?

Farfus: “Chevrolet has always been very strong in Macau in the past. I hope that is also the case this year. I welcome anyone who can take points off our rivals.”

In 2006 you lead the World Championship travelling to Macau…

Farfus: “It was a different situation when I still had a chance of winning the title back then with Alfa Romeo. I had to race with 70 kilograms of handicap weight, which meant I was not as competitive in Macau as I needed to be. This time all title contenders will start with 40 kilograms. I am convinced we can mix it with SEAT on the track and use our own power to challenge for victories. Of course we will also need a bit of luck to come out on top. This has little in common with the situation three years ago. This time I am not going into battle with a blunt weapon.”