Great news for fans of the German touring car series – another big German player is in town as the heavyweights from Munich announce their return to the party for 2012.
The precise details of the form of BMW’s return to the series since it last raced in 1992 are still unclear, particularly given their return is provided “certain basic requirements” it proposes are agreed to by the DTM. However, if the car looks anything like Jon Sibal’s fantastic 3D impression of how a DTM BMW may appear based on their ALMS GT2, then we’re all for their return.
Speaking of this news, BMW motorsport boss Dr. 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.
The decision to join the series has also been welcomed by soon their rivals Audi and Mercedes. Audi Sport boss Wolfgang Ullrich said:
On behalf of Audi I want to say right now: ‘Welcome to DTM.’ We look forward to the new competitors from Munich who most definitely will prove to be extremely competitive. I’m convinced that the squad will learn quickly to demonstrate its competitiveness within a short period of time.
It would be a big boost to the DTM if another manufacturer joined, both from a fans point of view to have more cars on circuit and as an extra reason to stir up further competition between the teams. We’re sure BMW will be hoping to a return of the halcyon days of the early 1990s with its successful E30 M3.
Having departed F1 last year, it appears BMW is now freer to pursue other racing activities, as shown by its M3 GT2 it campaigns in ALMS and also its successful WTCC programme. BMW are developing a new 1.6L four-cylinder turbo for 2011, so one would imagine they have no plans to leave this series 12 months after an intensive and expensive R&D period. Busy times ahead at BMW.
As we learn more about BMW’s DTM plans we’ll bring it to you here on SkiddMark.
Photo credit – Jon Sibal. Car is a 3D render based on the BMW E92 M3 GT2 ALMS.
Written By
Rick Osborn
Rick has met and interviewed many well known names in the world of film, music and sport. He brings his enthusiasm for cars, technology and social media to SkiddMark.
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at last BMW!!!
at last BMW!!!
I’m really hoping this announcement will allow the series to creep back towards those days where loads of manufacturers were in the mix – BMW’s return should coincide with the economy hitting its full stride again.
I’m really hoping this announcement will allow the series to creep back towards those days where loads of manufacturers were in the mix – BMW’s return should coincide with the economy hitting its full stride again.
I agree Rick, but they’ve first got to sort out two things;
1) Get DTM back on a free-to-air channel in the UK – I can’t imagine ESPN have more than a handful of viewers for their coverage. Without more visibility in the UK the gate numbers at the UK Brands Hatch round will reach the point where it is untenable for JP to run it. Also let’s get it airing in the US and East Asia – these are global car makers after all..
2) Fix the cars – this is meant to be a touring car series not Formula 1, so fit the cars with less sticky tyres, ban the spaceframe CF bodied prototypes and remove the wings. Let’s use real-cars like the good old days of DTM (Merc 190 Evo, BMW E30 M3, Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500)
3) Keep the power though – I’d like to see the cars sliding and making it a real challenge for the best drivers.
Hopefully BMW have lobbied for a reduction in costs and an increase in fun as part of their re-entry to the series.
I agree Rick, but they’ve first got to sort out two things;
1) Get DTM back on a free-to-air channel in the UK – I can’t imagine ESPN have more than a handful of viewers for their coverage. Without more visibility in the UK the gate numbers at the UK Brands Hatch round will reach the point where it is untenable for JP to run it. Also let’s get it airing in the US and East Asia – these are global car makers after all..
2) Fix the cars – this is meant to be a touring car series not Formula 1, so fit the cars with less sticky tyres, ban the spaceframe CF bodied prototypes and remove the wings. Let’s use real-cars like the good old days of DTM (Merc 190 Evo, BMW E30 M3, Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500)
3) Keep the power though – I’d like to see the cars sliding and making it a real challenge for the best drivers.
Hopefully BMW have lobbied for a reduction in costs and an increase in fun as part of their re-entry to the series.
1) Agreed here, it seems daft that there isn’t an option for UK users to view DTM outside of ESPN. I also very much doubt ESPN are paying them anything for the coverage, so it’d be nice to get to see it on something like ITV4 who have shown they’re receptive to motor sport coverage with BTCC. They could even run a UK only online stream, which is easily doable as shown by the FIA GT series this year.
2) I’d also add to that to bin the pit stops and perhaps consider beefing the weekend out to a couple of races – there’s such a build up at the moment for just a 50 minute race. You can never have too much on track action.
3) The power’s fine and I’d have to say the DTM are easily the best sounding touring cars on the planet, always a joy to stand in the paddock at Brands and see them literally scream into Surtees at 140mph.
1) Agreed here, it seems daft that there isn’t an option for UK users to view DTM outside of ESPN. I also very much doubt ESPN are paying them anything for the coverage, so it’d be nice to get to see it on something like ITV4 who have shown they’re receptive to motor sport coverage with BTCC. They could even run a UK only online stream, which is easily doable as shown by the FIA GT series this year.
2) I’d also add to that to bin the pit stops and perhaps consider beefing the weekend out to a couple of races – there’s such a build up at the moment for just a 50 minute race. You can never have too much on track action.
3) The power’s fine and I’d have to say the DTM are easily the best sounding touring cars on the planet, always a joy to stand in the paddock at Brands and see them literally scream into Surtees at 140mph.