Photo: DTM Media

Audi and Mercedes welcome BMW to DTM

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The confirmation from BMW on their plans for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters in 2012 has been welcomed by Audi and Mercedes.
“On behalf of Audi I want to say right now: ’Welcome in DTM.’,” said Audi Motorsport boss Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

“We look forward to the new competitors from Munich who most definitely will prove to be extremely competitive. With its long and successful motor-racing tradition, BMW suits DTM perfectly. I’m convinced that the squad will learn quickly to demonstrate its competitiveness within a short period of time,” continued Ullrich.

Audi and Mercedes have been alone in the DTM for five years, an important time according to Norbert Haug of Mercedes.

“That’s great news – not only for DTM alone but for the entire motor-racing world. It underlines that the decision of Audi and Mercedes-Benz to stand to DTM even in difficult times was an important and productive one,” said Mercedes Motorsport boss Haug.

ITR chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht is equally pleased by the announced BMW plans.

“BMW in DTM – that’s something the DTM enthusiasts have been waiting for for quite a while. By dint the orientation of our future strategy we always tried to pave the way for a DTM involvement of other manufacturers. And this effort seems to bear fruit, now.
Now we mustn’t rest on our laurels but have to keep on working hard on the DTM platform. I’m convinced that we are on the right track, with the new DTM regulations. We’d like to welcome BMW in the DTM fraternity,” said Aufrecht.