ALMS star Hand gets maiden DTM run

American Le Mans Series star Joey Hand got his first taste of DTM machinery this week when he tried out BMW's 2012 racer at Spanish venue Monteblanco.

The reigning GT class champion got the run after taking the title for works BMW outfit Team RLL this season. He was joined by BMW newboy Bruno Spengler and the German marque's regular drivers Augusto Farfus and Dirk Werner at the test.

"It was great to get a first taste of the DTM car. It has a lot of downforce and really good carbon brakes," said Hand. "You can really stand on the brakes and it is impossible to lock them. Also because of the downforce, the car is so hooked up in high-speed corners.

"This is something you need to get used to, but I managed to do so quite quickly.

"The test went very well and I enjoyed the Monteblanco circuit. It is a fun track. I had a great time with BMW Motorsport here."

There has been no suggestion that Hand's test could lead to a seat with the team in next year's DTM series, though the manufacturer still has vacancies ahead of its maiden campaign.

Meanwhile Spengler - who was at the test after receiving special dispensation from Mercedes - was struck down with illness in Spain, as he and a number of team members contracted an acute gastro-intestinal disease. This limited the Canadian's running as he was forced to sit out the second day of action.


James Weeks