BMW Motorsport entered the crucial phase of preparations for the 2018 DTM season with the first test of the year at Vallelunga, Italy. The priority for the engineers at the circuit to the north of Rome (ITA) on Friday and Sunday was to take a more detailed look at the BMW M4 DTM, many areas of which have been modified. The driver in action was Marco Wittmann (GER). In accordance with the DTM regulations, the BMW M4 DTM for the coming season has been modified in a number of areas. The changes primarily affect the aerodynamics and result in a significant reduction in the amount of downforce generated. BMW Motorsport used the test in Vallelunga to assess these modifications on the racetrack for the first time, and to examine exactly what effect they have on the way the car behaves. As such, it was possible to gather important information for the rest of the season.