The rumor mill insisted that German car manufacturer would return to the DTM series next season. In a press release issued Tursday, BMW reveals it will enter the German Touring Car Series from 2012.
However, BMW pointed out that it will wait to see the new rules and regulations of the series before making their decision official.
The German marque will probably enter the M3 model in the series, a car that it already runs in the ALMS and LMS series.
BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen said: “The planned return to the DTM is an exciting challenge for our team. Over the coming months we will be making all the necessary technical preparations that should allow us to be competitive right from the start should we join the series in 2012. Thanks to its great tradition in production car racing, the BMW M3 is predestined to be used as the basic car. In 2011 we will once again be lining up with our BMW M3 GT2, which is contesting its debut season in Europe this year”.
On the other hand, the BMW implication in the World Touring Car Championship is still to be decided. Theissen indicated that his team was working on the new car that will replace the current 320si, and the new 1.6-liter engine that will be used from 2011 in WTCC.
After 2010, BMW could stay in WTCC with his official team, or with private entries.
This is good news for the DTM championship, where Audi and Mercedes were lone rivals since 2006.
However, BMW pointed out that it will wait to see the new rules and regulations of the series before making their decision official.
The German marque will probably enter the M3 model in the series, a car that it already runs in the ALMS and LMS series.
BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen said: “The planned return to the DTM is an exciting challenge for our team. Over the coming months we will be making all the necessary technical preparations that should allow us to be competitive right from the start should we join the series in 2012. Thanks to its great tradition in production car racing, the BMW M3 is predestined to be used as the basic car. In 2011 we will once again be lining up with our BMW M3 GT2, which is contesting its debut season in Europe this year”.
On the other hand, the BMW implication in the World Touring Car Championship is still to be decided. Theissen indicated that his team was working on the new car that will replace the current 320si, and the new 1.6-liter engine that will be used from 2011 in WTCC.
After 2010, BMW could stay in WTCC with his official team, or with private entries.
This is good news for the DTM championship, where Audi and Mercedes were lone rivals since 2006.