BMW Will Not Return to DTM in 2010

German manufacturer BMW will not join the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2010. The news was not reported by a championship official or a German media, but by Mercedes Benz' motorsport director Norbert Haug. As the Stuttgart based car maker is a strong player on the German series, Haug revealed that DTM's plans for the upcoming season does not include a 3rd manufacturer.

“Next year there will be no other manufacturers,” Haug was quoted as saying to the German newspaper Bild.

Mercedes and Audi are currently the only two manufacturers in the DTM series, despite the German officials' efforts of attracting a 3rd car maker into the mix. With BMW leaving Formula One at the end of 2009, there were some rumors linking the Munich based car maker to a switch to the more affordable DTM.

In their most recent effort to attract some new players into the DTM, the German officials have implemented a new development freeze due to last until the end of next season, Basically, neither of the two current manufacturers in the DTM will be allowed to work on their engines, aerodynamics, the safety cell and roll cage, wheel arms and steering system until the end of 2010.

This rule might trigger some new entries in 2011, as all manufacturers will then start from scratch in terms of car development. This would be a great opportunity for BMW to return to the DTM, especially since the constant rule-changing in the FIA WTCC has made the German car maker consider a departure from the FIA-sanctioned series also.