BMW hints at `tin-tops', but no DTM

Berger's statement rules out BMW involvement in the German-based DTM series, despite the Bavarian manufacturer being involved in the creation of the regulations, but leaves the door ajar for a move into the newly-announced Superstars 3-litre, low-cost formula.

The former Grand Prix driver emphasised that BMW would only contemplate building a car to rules that allowed it to race in more than one market, adding "it is a disadvantage that the DTM is only racing in Germany." The calendar for the 2001 Superstars series includes races in four European countries, with more scheduled to be added in 2002.

BMW's last foray into touring cars - its 3-Series model built to the widely-adopted Super Touring rules - meant its various subsidiaries and domestic importers could race in markets as diverse as Australia, Japan and the UK, as well as Germany.

BMW technical director Mario Theissen added weight to speculation that the marque could go to the low-tech Superstars formula when he conceded that the technical sophistication of a series is not an over-riding factor, and that stability and internationality are key.

However, Berger said that any move back to 'tin-tops' would depend on the company having the capacity to run a programme alongside its fledgling Formula 1 engine activities without harming that programme.