The return of BMW to the DTM from 2012 is now a reality. The German car manufacturer confirmed the news during the DTM race weekend at the Hockenheimring.
From BMW Motorsport press release
Earlier this year in April BMW announced its intention to race in the DTM in principle from 2012, the first time since its departure from the series in 1994.
In recent months BMW has been working with the DTM umbrella organisation ITR e.V. and the other manufacturers represented in the DTM on issues relating to the future technical regulations, and the long-term internationalisation of the series.
The positive nature of these discussions means BMW Motorsport can now begin planning its DTM comeback in greater detail.
The intention is to use the BMW M3 as the basic DTM vehicle, a car that has enjoyed unique successes in the field of touring and sports car racing in the past. Eric van de Poele and Roberto Ravaglia celebrated two DTM titles with the racing version of BMW’s most sporty model back in 1987 and 1989, while before that Volker Strycek won the first DTM in 1984 in the BMW 635 CSi.
Dr Mario Theissen, BMW motorsport boss said: “The entire team at BMW Motorsport is approaching this exciting project with absolute commitment. We began making technical preparations following our declaration of intent in April, and established parameters for a high-performance vehicle concept for deployment in the DTM. The positive decision of the BMW Board of Management means we can now shift up a gear and give the green light for development ».
From BMW Motorsport press release
Earlier this year in April BMW announced its intention to race in the DTM in principle from 2012, the first time since its departure from the series in 1994.
In recent months BMW has been working with the DTM umbrella organisation ITR e.V. and the other manufacturers represented in the DTM on issues relating to the future technical regulations, and the long-term internationalisation of the series.
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| Norbert Haug (Mercedes), Mario Theissen (BMW), Wolfgang Ullrich (Audi) and Hans Werner Aufrecht (ITR). (Photo: dtm.com) |
The positive nature of these discussions means BMW Motorsport can now begin planning its DTM comeback in greater detail.
The intention is to use the BMW M3 as the basic DTM vehicle, a car that has enjoyed unique successes in the field of touring and sports car racing in the past. Eric van de Poele and Roberto Ravaglia celebrated two DTM titles with the racing version of BMW’s most sporty model back in 1987 and 1989, while before that Volker Strycek won the first DTM in 1984 in the BMW 635 CSi.
Dr Mario Theissen, BMW motorsport boss said: “The entire team at BMW Motorsport is approaching this exciting project with absolute commitment. We began making technical preparations following our declaration of intent in April, and established parameters for a high-performance vehicle concept for deployment in the DTM. The positive decision of the BMW Board of Management means we can now shift up a gear and give the green light for development ».