BMW announces return to DTM to challenge Audi and Mercedes

Motorsport will continue to play a leading role at BMW, with plans now being implemented for an extensive programme. BMW will significantly expand its activities in the field of production car racing over the coming years: last week the executive board of BMW AG came to a positive policy decision regarding the company’s involvement in the restructured German Touring Car Masters (DTM) from 2012. For this to happen, certain basic requirements must be met. The governing body, the ITR, is currently working on these prerequisites. In anticipation of a positive outcome, BMW Motorsport is making appropriate preparations on the technical side. The final decision is expected during the year.

The appearance of the BMW M3 GT2 at endurance races forms another important pillar in the future programme. As is the case this season, in 2011 BMW will contest a variety of races with this car.

Dr. Klaus Draeger, the BMW AG board member responsible for development, says: “Following the withdrawal from Formula One, the realignment of our motorsport programme is raising our presence in production car racing to a whole new level. BMW sports and touring cars have achieved success right around the world, and have significantly influenced the brand’s sporting profile right from the word go. For that reason, we see it as a consistent step to return to our roots after bidding farewell to Formula One, and to expand our commitment to this discipline.”


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dlin - 5/2/2010 1:35:14 AM

-3 Boost

Learning from Toyota? Well it's never to late to know where you should be before you can be.

ThierryHenry14 - 5/2/2010 10:12:18 AM

+2 Boost

honest question... Did Toyota pull out of F1 and refocus on Touring Cars to harness production based race car technology?

dlin - 5/2/2010 12:56:44 PM

-2 Boost

Well Toyota has been kinda dominating Super GT in recent years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_GT (Pull down)

For me AUDI has been selling mundane FWD, but that doesn't lessen their achievement on R8. Similarly all 3 Jap brands has car that can lap 7:30, but where's BMW's? It's fine w/ me if the latter just like to sell sports sedans, but then just stay away from F1, cause no German is more qualified than Porsche.

dlin - 5/3/2010 2:03:39 AM

0 Boost

Though Lambo is in FIA GT1, they should get into F1. BTW, GT-R won the GT1 race in Silverstone today, among Maserati, Ford GT, Lambo, AM, and Corvette.

dlin - 5/3/2010 1:58:41 AM

+1 Boost

Though Lambo is in FIA GT1, they should get into F1. BTW, GT-R won the GT1 race in Silverstone today, among Maserati, Ford GT, Lambo, AM, and Corvette.