BMW returns to the DTM series

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

Munich January 26, 2011; BMW will return to the race tracks to compete in the races for the popular DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft). Last year, Motorsport director Mario Theissen expressed the intentions of BMW and technical preparations of the M3 took off. In the meantime, BMW’s board has given its approval.

Last summer, the BMW M3 GT2 caused a stir by winning the 24 hours of the Nürburgring. With the former model M3 drivers Eric van de Poele and Roberto Ravaglia caught the DTM titles in 1987 and 1989 respectively.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe, that debuted this month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, will making its first ‘warm up’ laps. Together with the M3, the youngest model of M GmbH will pace the 49th Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Pacing the race of both BMWs marks the fact that is was 35 years ago that Brian Redman, John Fitzpatrick and Peter Gregg drove their BMW CSL over the finish line in winning position.

This year, four Daytona Prototypes wit BMW engines as well as two BMW GT cars will participate in the 24 hour race in Daytona.

Furthermore, on January 28, more than 20 BMWs will participate in the Grand-Am 200, the first race of the season for the 2011 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Last year the M3 won all championships in the Grand Sports-class.