BMW Motorsport 2010/2011

Félix · 6 Dec 2009, 02:12 (Ref:2594696)

-M3 GTR not homologated yet but being worked on for 2010 European campaign with "team Schnitzer (... )in factory capacity (...) in the LMS and the Nurburgring-based VLN Endurance series, as well as at the 24-hour races at Le Mans, Spa and the Nurburgring." Drivers are Jog Muller and Dirk Werner.
-New Z4 Coupé for FIA GT3. "Expanding their customer racing programme"
-Thiessen: "We have talked to the ITR, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest [at Le Mans], the FIA and to the Japanese"... concerning common DTM-Super GT rules for 2011!
-And the WTCC effort is officially down to 2 cars (7 total factory cars in the series)

So, how are they gonna be OK with the pro driver restrictions in the various GT2 series? How will they enter a factory team at the Spa 24? Also, this all seems to mess around with Porsche's usual control on GT racing since they snatch one of their factory drivers, plan on expanding their customer car business while talking with the governing bodies to take control of where the rules are going.

And finally, could this be the alternative to GT2 after it has priced itself out of existence and to the new GT1 after no one actually builds new cars for the category. DTM has been talking to Toyota for years and Nissan is rumored not to be so happy with their FIA GT1 GT-R. That could change GT racing quite a bit with the ACO involved and possibly looking at replacing the lame new FIA GT1; and so many potential factory efforts.

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=4257
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80443
https://www.press.bmw-motorsport.com...item=node__213

Acid09 · 6 Dec 2009, 02:36 (Ref:2594701)

Wow, lots of interesting things in BMWs announcement.

The Super GT - DTM thing backs up the latest story from Autosport, very interesting.

Interesting bits:

Dirk Werner is now BMW factory driver, kind of surprising considering he spent most of his endurance career driving Porsches.

For the Nürburgring 24hr race, Dirk Adorf and Uwe Alzen will join the Schnitzer squad, I´m very much looking forward to that race now - Audi/Porsche/BMW showdown, could be the best race in years.

cmk · 6 Dec 2009, 03:16 (Ref:2594706)

Werner's career was pretty heavily supported by Greg Loles in recent times, and it's interesting to note that Loles was also moving the BMW direction in theory before his racing business tanked...

This also supports the notion that RLR and not Schnitzer will be running BMWs in the ALMS next year.

Acid09 · 6 Dec 2009, 03:25 (Ref:2594708)

I doubt that Schnitzer will be doing VLN, Le Mans Series & Le Mans and the ALMS... that's a bit much.

Given the fact that the GT2 class in the ALMS will be rather slim next year, I don't really see a point in running four cars. They may bring a third car over for Sebring, Laguna and the PLM but I doubt a full campaign with three or four cars.

cmk · 6 Dec 2009, 03:27 (Ref:2594709)

That was exactly what I was saying.

Acid09 · 6 Dec 2009, 03:44 (Ref:2594712)

Sorry, was a bit quick to read and thought you said Schnitzer & RLR which was suggested around here some days ago.

NightStalk3r · 6 Dec 2009, 04:22 (Ref:2594720)

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk

This also supports the notion that RLR and not Schnitzer will be running BMWs in the ALMS next year.

I thought that was pretty obvious then RLR released a press release a few days ago announcing there driver lineup for the ALMS.

R4z3rw33n · 6 Dec 2009, 06:04 (Ref:2594733)

Was Werner a Porsche works driver?
If so, can we assume that he was one of the 2/3 that were rumoured to be receiving marching orders?

andy_b · 6 Dec 2009, 06:57 (Ref:2594753)

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightStalk3r

I thought that was pretty obvious then RLR released a press release a few days ago announcing there driver lineup for the ALMS.

Schnitzer were never going to run the ALMS cars. RLR were always going too + I'm sure that was confirmed at PLM

R4z3rw33n · 6 Dec 2009, 07:56 (Ref:2594763)

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy_b

Schnitzer were never going to run the ALMS cars. RLR were always going too + I'm sure that was confirmed at PLM

Pat Long mentioned something in an interview a while back, he assumed there would be four BMW's next year.

So that's probably where the rumour started.

Fogelhund · 6 Dec 2009, 07:58 (Ref:2594764)

Quote:

Originally Posted by R4z3rw33n

Pat Long mentioned something in an interview a while back, he assumed there would be four BMW's next year.

So that's probably where the rumour started.

Correct.. Pat Long had mentioned on an interview/blog on Speed TV that there would be 4 BMW's in the ALMS. Of course, that was when it seemed certain there would be a all Pro Porsche too.

Speed-King · 6 Dec 2009, 10:02 (Ref:2594814)

Quote:

Originally Posted by R4z3rw33n

Was Werner a Porsche works driver?
If so, can we assume that he was one of the 2/3 that were rumoured to be receiving marching orders?

Nope, Werner was never a works driver.

SteveT · 6 Dec 2009, 16:16 (Ref:2594952)

I think the hope might be that if Schnitzer is going to run at LeMans that they might also come over to Sebring. Whether that's 3 cars or 4 Sebring becomes a very interesting race. I guess it's also possible that some mix of the new drivers might come over to fill out the driver lineup at Sebring. Also a very interesting thought. That might become Jorg Mueller and Dirk Werner added to RLR for Sebring.

veeten · 6 Dec 2009, 22:55 (Ref:2595112)

Too true, Steve. I've been saying this since the start of last season. Looks like I was right.

A lot of Schnitzer's data was from RLR during the testing at Sebring last year, along with most of the season's racing numbers. Now, they can run their team with confidence that much of the car has been sorted out, which is great news for Jorg and Andy as they drove it during those testing sessions.

The real deal is if both will run Sebring and LeMans, as a two team, four-car assault for BMW. Going against the likes of Risi (Ferrari), P&M (Corvette), and the Porsche teams (Flying Lizards, etc.) should make for a good season in GT2.

ubrben · 7 Dec 2009, 08:30 (Ref:2595321)

Quote:

Originally Posted by veeten

Too true, Steve. I've been saying this since the start of last season. Looks like I was right.

A lot of Schnitzer's data was from RLR during the testing at Sebring last year, along with most of the season's racing numbers. Now, they can run their team with confidence that much of the car has been sorted out, which is great news for Jorg and Andy as they drove it during those testing sessions.

The real deal is if both will run Sebring and LeMans, as a two team, four-car assault for BMW. Going against the likes of Risi (Ferrari), P&M (Corvette), and the Porsche teams (Flying Lizards, etc.) should make for a good season in GT2.

Actually a lot of RLR's data came from Schnitzer, who have been testing the car in Europe throughout this year.

Schnitzer also raced the car twice at the VLN series.

Ben

Fogelhund · 7 Dec 2009, 12:30 (Ref:2595435)

Quote:

Originally Posted by veeten

Going against the likes of Risi (Ferrari), P&M (Corvette), and the Porsche teams (Flying Lizards, etc.) should make for a good season in GT2.

Except it sounds like there might not be a Risi team, or the all pro Lizards team may, or may not be a reality this year.

Asa · 8 Dec 2009, 02:37 (Ref:2595889)

If DTM and Super GT decide on common regulations from 2011 onwards, then BMW will probably find it quite irresistible to build a car for it.

Le Mans and LMS are pan-European while ALMS is American, the DTM and Super GT will complete the picture for BMW. The German and Japanese markets are very important for BMW.

And if that happens, it is bye bye WTCC.

HORNDAWG · 3 Feb 2010, 06:33 (Ref:2625497)

Well it does seem that the M3 will be participating in ACO affiliated series on both sides of The Pond this year.

L.P.

AX lover · 5 Feb 2010, 12:29 (Ref:2627203)

BMW back at Le Mans woehoe!

Audi Racer · 5 Feb 2010, 21:09 (Ref:2627527)

Its interesting how the Lemans entry is under BMW Motorsport. that means this is a serious effort (although it would hae still been serious with RLR) But its just all the more. That means Mario Theissen will be their. Maybe Speedtv can get some answers out of him as to when BMW will be back in LMP1.

BMW have quit F1 and that makes it all the more obvius where they are headed. They tooken most of their cars out of WTCC. Only a few M3 GT2's. O think the future of Lemans is looking very good.

1. With Toyota's recent recall they need something to bring back their image

2.BMW can do Diesel or Petrol all they need is a check mark in one or the other from BMW Management and their set
to go
3. Audi live at Lemans
4. Peugeot can't resist the French glory
5. Aston Martin are back for real with their own purpose built car and engine in 2011
6.Porsche will announce their imminent return to LMP1 in the Spring
7.Mazda- its only a matter of time
I think the 80th edition of the 24 hours of Lemans will go down in the record books

Acid09 · 6 Feb 2010, 07:30 (Ref:2627740)

The thing is that BMW left F1 saying that they want to concentrate on production-based motorsport from now on - Something a LMP1 is certainly not.

So I´m not quite sure how willing they are to start up another high-tech project after just leaving the last one. I see them concentrating on the M3 at least until 2012, that's the earliest Porsche will be back too.

About your list: Porsche and Audi at Le Mans, that won't happen. I´m quite sure it will be one of them, not both. Unless one make is just represented by privateers.

AndrewF31 · 6 Feb 2010, 09:09 (Ref:2627754)

Possibly, if Porsche ever comes back, Audi might focus on the R8 (whether it's a GT3, GT2 or GT1, or all or part is the question), if not with official teams, with factory support of teams like Porsche does.

I also think after running so long with just their engine, they probably want to also promote their car chassis for a few years. They probably won't win Le Mans this year but they could win the Nurburgring. They'll probably want to try to win Le Mans before bowing out of GT2 but that won't be easy!

Mal · 6 Feb 2010, 15:09 (Ref:2627896)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid09

About your list: Porsche and Audi at Le Mans, that won't happen. I´m quite sure it will be one of them, not both. Unless one make is just represented by privateers.

I don't think it would be as far fetched as you might think to have both Audi and Porsche in P1. Why not? It has been suggested as possible by high up sources in Porsche and it would make economic sense to run 2 cars from basically the same parts bin - also the addition of more manufacturers and the joint promotion that could follow will increase the media profile of the races which will be good for both manufacturers

Audi Racer · 6 Feb 2010, 15:54 (Ref:2627911)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid09

The thing is that BMW left F1 saying that they want to concentrate on production-based motorsport from now on - Something a LMP1 is certainly not.

So I´m not quite sure how willing they are to start up another high-tech project after just leaving the last one. I see them concentrating on the M3 at least until 2012, that's the earliest Porsche will be back too.

About your list: Porsche and Audi at Le Mans, that won't happen. I´m quite sure it will be one of them, not both. Unless one make is just represented by privateers.

Porsche management has already said there is nothing wrong with porsche racing Audi at lemans. didn't you see the 24hrs of nurburgring with the Audi R8 LMS leading overall during the bight but losing out to the porsche of bernhard.

Quite frankly most people in the U.S don;t even know that Volkswagen owns porsche and audi.

Audi Racer · 6 Feb 2010, 15:59 (Ref:2627913)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acid09

The thing is that BMW left F1 saying that they want to concentrate on production-based motorsport from now on - Something a LMP1 is certainly not.

So I´m not quite sure how willing they are to start up another high-tech project after just leaving the last one. I see them concentrating on the M3 at least until 2012, that's the earliest Porsche will be back too.

About your list: Porsche and Audi at Le Mans, that won't happen. I´m quite sure it will be one of them, not both. Unless one make is just represented by privateers.

You have to realize how different it is to run an f1 car compared to an LMP1 car. An LMP1 program is probably atmost half the cost of a full F1 season and probably still a bit less. F1 technology is completely irrelevant to road cars. You will never ever se a roadgoing car revving to 18000 rpm.
They already know how to use carbon fibre.

LMP1 is a showcase for new technology. Engines rev in the same range.
Electronics,New technologies all towards road cars

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