The first 2 races of the FIA World Touring Car Championship saw BMW struggle against the diesel powered SEATs. Held at the Brazilian Curitiba circuit BMW were left fighting for places in the lower half of the top 10 in race one. Highest placed BMW driver was Augusto Farfus in a disappointing 6th overall, Sergio Hernandez finished 7th with former WTCC champion Andy Priaulx coming home a un-impressed 9th overall.
Despite having pole and 2 on the grid for race 2 BMW were unable to keep those positions and slumped down to 5th, 6th and 7th. Once again Andy Priaulx struggled home a disappointing and un-impressive 9th overall.
Worse for BMW is that the next 2 rounds in the WTCC are being held at Puebla, Mexico and the high altitude, tight, twisty circuit is expected to give the TDI SEATs an even greater performance advantage.
