BMW offers 2011 engine to customers

The German manufacturer has been developing its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol unit - the engine specification which will be adopted by the WTCC and World Rally Championship in 2011 - throughout this summer.

BMW is expected to move into the DTM in 2012, but has not yet confirmed its motorsport programme for next season. While it will not announce its WTCC future as a factory outfit at this stage, it has committed to supplying customer teams with the new engine and gearbox to fit the current 3-series.

"We said at the beginning of the year that we will continue offering touring cars in the future," said BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen.

"We announced the development of a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine. This will be run in the Mini WRC [car] from next year, and will be available for BMW S2000 race cars as well.

"We [will] offer the BMW privateer teams in WTCC an upgrade kit, including the new engine and gearbox, as well as the necessary modifications to the race car.

"With this kit, the BMW 320si complies with the future WTCC regulations. Therefore, our customer teams will have the opportunity to continue running existing cars."

Theissen added that an announcement on BMW's works team plans for next season will be made at a later date.