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Schnitzer set to stay in ALMS

The BMW Schnitzer factory team has given the clearest indication yet that it will return to the American Le Mans Series next year even though its V12 LMR prototype has been axed for 2001

BMW had already announced that it would be stepping up its assault on the GT class with the E46-shape M3 next year. Now, it appears increasingly certain that this will include Schnitzer joining the Prototype Technology Group in the 'baby' division of the series against the hordes of Porsche 911 GT3-Rs.

Schnitzer boss Charly Lamm said: "BMW's decision is to go with the M3 and we will be part of that." Asked if that meant running cars in North America, he replied: "I would strongly say that will be the case."

These comments have been backed up by BMW insiders. Some have suggested that a deal for Schnitzer to stay in the US is as good as done, but that has been denied by the team boss.

Lamm hinted that Schnitzer was unlikely to represent BMW in the new European Le Mans Series in 2001.

"The team and I enjoy being part of the ALMS," he said.

The V12 LMRs, meanwhile, could have had their last hurrah. Now Audi driver Allan McNish has been crowned champion, it appears Schnitzer is unlikely to make the trip to Adelaide for the seasonal ALMS finale on December 31.

"The thinking always was that we would only go to Adelaide to fight for the championship," said Lamm after last weekend's penultimate ALMS round at Las Vegas, "but there has been no final decision."

The V12 LMR is one of the most successful sportscars of all time. Not only did it win the Le Mans and Sebring sportscar classics last year, but it has claimed a further five ALMS rounds over the past two seasons. In 19 appearances the V12 LMRs have only failed to make it onto the podium on two occasions.

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