BMW pull our ALMS

[rdjones]

This just in from Autosport.com

BMW pulls out after rule change

German manufacturer to concentrate on ETCC programme

BMW's sensational M3 GTR will be consigned to the museum

BMW has announced that it is pulling out of the American Le Mans Series this year after rule changes that would have seriously hampered its GT class dominating M3 GTR.

Neither the official BMW team, run by preparation experts Schnitzer, nor the BMW North America-backed Team PTG squad will continue in the ALMS with the car.

"Unfortunately, in December, the M3 GTR was affected by a change in the regulations which would have a radical impact on the car's competitiveness," said BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen. "We would have had to invest major staff and technical resources to try to compensate for the ensuing disadvantage.

"Our main focus on our Formula 1 involvement means we can't spare the capacity," he added.

BMW will instead focus on the revamped FIA European Touring Car Championship. Schnitzer will run the BMW Team Germany squad in the series, and other BMW importers from around the continent are also expected to join the programme.

"As before, we do not regard our participation in the European Championship as a classic factory involvement," said BMW's Gerhard Berger. "Though the targets have been raised by the entry of other manufacturers."

For full details on BMW's ETCC plans, see this week's AUTOSPORT magazine - on sale Thursday January 24.

[rlinter]

Yep Expect Teams from:

BMW Spain (With Jorg Gene & Norman Simon)
BMW Benlux (Cox & Huisman)
Schnitzer (the two Mullers)

Also expect an annoucement about the Volvo ETCC line up by the end of the week.

[Craig]

January 22, 2002


STATEMENT FROM AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES REGARDING BMW

"BMW has been a participant in the American Le Mans Series since its
inception in 1999 and has brought a great deal to the series, not only in
terms of star drivers and cars but also strong marketing support. We worked
closely with BMW AG and BMW North America in an effort to resolve the
situation and while we are deeply disappointed, we are confident of BMW's
return to American Le Mans Series racing in 2003."

--- Scott Atherton, President and COO, Panoz Motor Sports Group

Back to touring car where they belong, eh ? Bet they're not brave enough to do the BTCC and risk being shown up by MG...!

[touringlegend]

Can't blame them for pulling out but they did ask for it.
With Schnitzer running Team Germany's ETCC team you now know who will dominate the series' this year.

[H16]

When you don't produce what you sell in what is tradtionally a production style class, it is hard to have compassion on BMW. I will miss the V8 roar, but they should have continued to develop the inline 6 M3 or ran a V8 M5.

[Speedworx]

AMLS drove them out and I can't BMW ever going back.

[redshoes]

Copied from GT/Sportscar forum. This sounds like a good TC topic as well.

So much for BMW's "not interested in Touring Cars" stance of recent years.

[touringlegend]

But the ETCC teams aren't full works BMW teams are they? They're just BMW's regional importer's supporting a team?

[racer69]

They is more factory involvement than before, and with the official factory team Schnitzer, returning to the ETC, this can only be good. What about Ravaglia Motorsports and CiBiEmme.

[MaxSport]

It looks like there could be 8 or 10 factory backed cars from BMW.

If Alfa bring the same number and Nissan,Honda and Volvo enter 2 cars each, it should be a good field.

2003 should see more entries from Nissan,Honda and Volvo. If cars from VAG show up it could become a very hot series.

I am very excited about the prospects for the ETCC as it is a financially viable formula.

Now if we could just get the same kind of thing going here in the states. World Challenge Touring isn't bad, its just not a pro series,yet.

KM

[Michael H]

Ravaglia has been mentioned from Italy as the team from that country. As to CiBiEmme, they are not bering mentioned. I find this very strange as they are integral to the resurrection of the ETCC with the ESTC in 2000.

Maxsport - you are excited about the ETCC - so am I. I just wish I could have a similar series in my homeland too - Australia.

rlinter - you've forgotten Fredrik Ekblom, a star of the STCC in the late 1990s. He could get BMW Sweden money.

[Michael H]

Maxsport - I wonder which VAG cars will enter? SEAT or VW, or both? SEAT has gone all quiet in recent months after the burst of publicity surrounding their ETCC intentions.

touringlegend - I'm not so sure that Team Germany will dominate the ETCC - it will be a fight between Team Germany (whoever drives), Carly (Huisman - bring back Peggen!), Ravaglia (Kox), as well as Gio and Larini in the Alfa's, plus look out for Colciago if AGS get a deal (that they deserve) with Alfa. Volvo should be good. Rydell is an ace, but if they don't pick Edman they could be in trouble. They must sign Edman! Nissan - who knows, but Rustad is fast and much underrated. Honda - he missed out on the 2001 title, so he's not very 'appy! Tarquini will be on the money.

rlinter - do you have insider info on the Volvo drivers?? Don't forget Edenbridge in the BMW line-up. What about Cayrolle and de Lorenzi - where will they go??

[Eddie_harasym]

Originally posted by Craig Antill


Back to touring car where they belong, eh ? Bet they're not brave enough to do the BTCC and risk being shown up by MG...!

Would love to see BMW back in BTCC, then the Longbridge boys could show them waht MGR was all about

[touringlegend]

Yes I would love to see BMW back in the BTCC, and I believe it is only a matter of time before they do. I just hope MG are still in so we can show them how to do it!

[MaxSport]

8 or 10 BMWs may be on the low side for this years ETCC.

4 cars from Schnitzer and 3 from Ravaglia. Plus how many more?

KM