BMW Looking At 2012 return to DTM Racing Series

1991 BMW M3 E30 Race Car

Twenty years since they last raced the German Touring Car championships (DTM), BMW seeks a return into the coveted production car series in 2012.

Formula 1 apart, BMW have pulled out of majority of their motorsport series such as the BMW Formula North America series and the BMW Europe series. The American Le Mans Series GT2 and the World Touring Car Championships (WTCC) see the BMW badge on their grid.

BMW AG announced their decision today to revise their motorsport frontiers with a possibility of a return to the DTM series.

“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,” said Dr. Klaus Draeger, board member in charge of development for BMW.

BMW M3 DTM Racing Car

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said, “The newly aligned programme offers us many important stages, on which to demonstrate the sporting gene present in BMW vehicles. 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.”

To challenge the powerhouses at DTM, Audi and Mercedes, BMW plans to fire the M3 gun, again. “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,” added Theissen.

Whether or not BMW will remain at WTCC is still clouded and a decision to continue in the sport is awaited till later 2010. To add to the finickiness, BMW have said that they are developing a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder Turbo engine with direct injection that can be used in championships in accordance with the new Super2000 regulations – such as the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

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