BMW announces DTM teams

Long-term BMW works outfits Schnitzer and RBM will run two cars each, with new team Reinhold Motorsport also running a pair of M3s for the Munich-based marque.

"In recent months we have been working very intensely on the DTM project," said BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen. "The project has picked up pace, and in naming the teams, we have taken the next step.

"As well as developing the car, it is now a matter of assigning tasks and establishing structures and processes. The co-operation between BMW Motorsport and the teams, as well as that between the team bases and the race track, must be well established.

"This is an excellent line-up for BMW. We are looking forward to co-operating over the coming years and hope to enjoy great success together."

Theissen revealed that the manufacturer considered presentations from several teams before selecting the outfits that will run its six-car effort.

"The agreement with the teams was of paramount importance," he said. "We were pleased with the high level of interest and numerous applications received from a number of professional teams.

"The concepts presented by RBM, Schnitzer and Reinhold Motorsport ultimately convinced us."

RBM and Schnitzer have been factory teams for BMW for several years, running most recently in the World Touring Car Championship and GT racing.

RBM team boss Bart Mampaey said: "We are honoured to be able to continue our successful co-operation with BMW, which has yielded many WTCC titles, in the DTM. We still have a lot of work ahead of us over the coming months, and are now looking forward to getting to grips with the project."

Schitzer was part of BMW's last DTM programme in the 1980s and early 1990s, winning the 1989 title with Roberto Ravaglia.

Team boss Charly Lamm said: "Schitzer Motorsport has enjoyed a successful past in the DTM with BMW. The bar is set really high in DTM, and our preparations will be intensive to meet this challenge."

Stefan Reinhold added that his brand new team had targeted becoming a part of BMW's DTM programme since the manufacturer confirmed it was returning to the series.

"To be part of the BMW Motorsport family with immediate effect and to strive for DTM success together is simply fantastic," he said. "Since April last year we have always wanted to be a part of this project, and we are very proud to have been given the nod."

Theissen repeated his claims made at the end of last year that BMW is in no hurry to announce its driver line-up.