WTCC boss not fazed by BMW’s commitment to DTM

BMW reduced their factory program in the FIA World Touring Car Championship to two cars ahead of the 2010 season and just recently announced a full program in DTM. WTCC promoter Marcello Lotti is not concerned by the new commitments of the German manufacturer.
“To be honest, BMW’s announcement doesn’t get me worried for one simple reason: WTCC has never been the only works effort for BMW in motorsport,” said Lotti to TouringCarTimes.

“Over the years, BMW has taken part in Formula One as well as GT and yet they never abandoned WTCC.”

DTM has got Audi, Mercedes and BMW confirmed for 2012, when the new rules are introduced, as well as Opel and Nissan confirming their evaluation of entering the series.

The WTCC has currently got two confirmed manufacturers for 2011, Chevrolet with three cars and Volvo with one car. The semi-official SEAT cars are expected to continue while BMW has not confirmed their plans for WTCC in 2011.

“We are likely to know for sure in December, but I think BMW will still be involved in the WTCC next year. Their place is in touring cars,” said Lotti.

While Lotti is confident BMW is going to remain in WTCC, he says understands BMW’s decision to enter DTM.

“Choosing DTM is understandable for a German manufacturer, but one has to consider that this is a series based mainly in Germany, where there are three German brands (including BMW) fighting for the title. Of course, they’re trying to make it “more European” and they will probably manage to do so but, as I said before, the strongest base is in Germany. Plus, the DTM cars are more oriented towards GT, rather than touring cars,” said Lotti.

Read the full interview with Lotti about the future of WTCC here.