Jochen Neerpasch.

Mr. Neerpasch, how delighted were you to see a BMW M3 back to winning ways in the DTM in 2012, after an absence of 20 years?
Jochen Neerpasch: “There was obviously a huge sense of joy. After all, the BMW M3 is a living piece of motorsport history. I can still remember very well the first time the BMW M3 enjoyed major success in the DTM in the 1980s. Even back then we held this racing series in very high esteem. However, when I see how the DTM has developed and how attractive it now is, thanks in no small part to the return of BMW, then I am absolutely thrilled.”

The current crop of DTM drivers at BMW Motorsport are full of praise for M cars. Surely you could not wish for better test drivers …
Nitschke: “We are very happy that these professionals, who have driven many of the fastest racing cars in the world, are taking so much pleasure in our BMW M cars and BMW M Performance cars. That shows we are living up to our high standards in the field of highperformance sports cars.”

Mr. Neerpasch, can you describe what BMW M stands for in just a few words?
Neerpasch: “When the company was founded 40 years ago, BMW M stood for successful motorsport and the transfer of technology at the very highest level when developing highperformance cars for the road – and it still stands for this today.”

Mr. Nitschke, which key characteristics have been added in recent years?
Nitschke: “Firstly, the same key principles that applied when BMW M GmbH was launched in 1972 still apply today. Success in motorsport and a close interplay between racing and the development of our high-performance cars remain of central importance to BMW M GmbH.
The term ‘efficiency’ is certainly also key nowadays. It is becoming increasingly  mportant to make automobiles both sportier and more efficient. We have achieved this very well with our current top models, the BMW M5 and BMW M6. We have also set ourselves some ambitious goals for the future in this regard.”

Mr. Neerpasch, are you happy with what BMW M GmbH has become?
Neerpasch: “When we were just starting up, I could never have dreamed of this kind of development. That makes me all the happier that I was able to join in with the 40th anniversary celebrations in 2012 of a company with such a fantastic image and as excellently positioned as BMW M GmbH.”

Mr. Nitschke, in which direction will BMW M GmbH develop in the future?
Nitschke: “We are excellently equipped for the future. In this regard, particular mention must go to the BMW M Performance cars, with which we are looking to appeal to a sophisticated clientele, which perhaps is not quite ready to take that big step up to an M automobile, but still prefers a car that is more agile and precise than the top-of-the-range production model. BMW M Performance automobiles also offer fans of diesel engines an outstanding opportunity to make their driving experience even more emotional.”

Which BMW M car is your favourite?
Neerpasch: “The BMW M1, of course. I am proud of the high esteem in which this car, which was developed indepen dently by BMW M GmbH, is still held.”
Nitschke: “The BMW M1 is a legend, there is no questioning that. However, I would like to mention another two cars. Firstly, the BMW M3 CSL. For me, this is the benchmark when it comes to handling and sensitiveness. Of our latest range, one of the vehicles I believe really stands out is the BMW M6 Grand Coupé. With its combination of aesthetic,  luxury and sportiness, this car is raising the bar in its class.”

Mr. Neerpasch, what do you expect from the BMW teams in the 2013 DTM?
Neerpasch: “Above all, I expect honest and emotional motor racing. There is no guarantee of victory in motorsport, and it will be difficult to follow on from last season’s sensational success.
However, I am confident the teams and drivers that BMW has assembled will once again be magnificent ambassadors for BMW and BMW M in 2013.”