BMW to Decide on DTM Programme This Week

This year's DTM Series will once again see Mercedes-Benz and Audi battle for the manufacturers' title, as a third big manufacturer is yet to announce its presence in the famous German prototype touring series. That whole situation might change later this week however, when BMW will reportedly discuss the possibility of joining their two German rivals in the series from 2011 onwards.

A meeting between BMW's board of directors is scheduled for later this week, and Autosport reports that competing in the DTM is one topic that will be fully discussed.

“We have presented our concept to BMW and we know that it is being assessed in a positive way. We look forward to welcoming BMW back into the DTM soon,” Thomas Betzler, a board member for DTM promoter ITR, was quoted as saying to Autosport.

According to the same source, BMW's decision will be made after the German officials will carefully revise the technical regulations forwarded by the DTM series for the 2011 season. Following a technology freeze period in 2010, the German championship will debut brand new regulations next year.

The Munich based company's DTM prospects have been a media topic ever since they left Formula One last year, but no one from BMW confirmed interest in joining the series. And that's because the Germans were trying to cut down the costs of their motorsport commitments under the circumstances of the economic crisis worldwide.

Earlier this season however, BMW pulled one move that may suggest their potential switch to DTM, as the German carmaker reduced their WTCC programme to only 2 cars (from 5) for the 2010 campaign. This could lead to their complete retirement from the FIA-sanctioned series starting next year.