WTCC boss Marcello Lotti comments BMW exit

FIA World Touring Car Championship boss Marcello Lotti commented the announcement from BMW to withdraw from the championship and instead support privateer teams with the new 1.6 liter turbo engine.
“We are pleased that BMW has borne our expectations out, granting continuity to their traditional commitment to production-based touring car racing, a category that has always been part of the company’s DNA and gave a major contribution to promote the BMW brand worldwide,” said Lotti.

While the BMW exit confirms the last couple of years’ shrinking number of manufacturers involved in the WTCC, Lotti is not fazed about the future.

“Our priority was to safeguard the grid and the level of competition on track. BMW’s decision to offer to their WTCC teams a two-year upgrading package is a big boost for the championship that from 2011 welcomes Volvo in addition to the three brands already represented,” said Lotti.

So far for the WTCC 2011 four cars are confirmed officially: Three cars from Chevrolet and one car from Volvo.