BMW likely to keep drivers for 2009

With less than four months to the start of the 2009 FIA World Touring Car Championship in Brazil, BMW are yet to announce their plans. Although, the previous rumors of the German manufacturer being on the verge of leaving the series seems to be wrong. According to the latest reports BMW will more or less keep the same driver and team line-up from 2008.

Two of the current BMW-drivers have contracts that goes beyond 2008. Andy Priaulx has two years left on his contract and Alessandro Zanardi one year.

But even if they have contracts with BMW, it does not mean that it has to be WTCC. As previously mentioned the German manufacturer will take part in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) next year.

“I am going to Road Atlanta to test the BMW M3 ALMS. None of us BMW drivers know what the future holds for us, but I am confident that whatever happens will just be another chapter in my motor racing life,” wrote Priaulx on his website.

Though the most likely thing is that Priaulx stays in WTCC with BMW, along with his team mates from 2008. The German magazine Motorsport Aktuell reports that Priaulx’s team RBM has ordered 100 new tyres for testing during the winter.

What is keeping BMW from announcing their plan seems still to be the, not yet confirmed, diesel regulations for 2009. Stay tuned for more news!