12.07.2009

NEWS // THE FUTURE OF BMW MOTORSPORTS

BMW has just announced its plans to participate in a handful of motorsport events in 2010. With the absence of an F1 program, BMW can now focus on their GT racing programs, to include European Le Mans, American Le Mans, the World Touring Car Championship and Formula BMW... [read more]

With BMW's Formula One program now officially canned, the Bavarian automaker will focus instead on their GT racing programs, to include the Le Mans and American Le Mans Series. According to our sources, BMW will campaign two works cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and the Nürburgring. BMW will also have two GT2 class M3s in the American Le Mans Series run by Rahal Letterman Racing.

Additionally, BMW will be scaling back their WTCC effort, running a two man team for 2010 as opposed to their five man effort in 2009. Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus will be the lucky pair driving for BMW in 2010.

Finally, BMW will continue to fund their Formula BMW program, a driver development program that has seen tremendous success since its debut.

Mario Theissen had this to say about the Formula BMW program:

"Five former BMW drivers lined up in [F1 this year] – and with great success. Nico Rosberg, Timo Glock, Adrian Sutil and Sebastien Buemi all scored World Championship points. Sebastian Vettel even celebrated four Grand Prix victories and finished the season as runner-up in the drivers’ championship, behind Jenson Button.

Nico Hülkenberg and Bruno Senna will join the quintet in 2010 as regular F1 drivers. A number of other Formula BMW graduates can also hope to get a taste of Formula One as test and reserve drivers."


With an extensive motorsport program in order for 2010, we are curious to hear your thoughts on BMW's withdrawal from Formula One and their plans for 2010...

Photo: Camden Thrasher/Neil Tozer
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

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