BMW announces intention to contest 2012 DTM season

BMW will turn its premier motor racing focus to Germany’s touring car championship DTM in 2012.

After ten years in formula one, the German carmaker ended its grand prix foray at the end of 2009.

In a statement on Thursday, BMW said its board has voted to race in DTM from 2012, pending "certain basic requirements" that the series’ governing body ITR must now consider.

"The (ITR’s) final decision is expected during the year," said the marque, whose motor sport activities are still led by former BMW-Sauber team principal Mario Theissen.

Said BMW board member Dr Klaus Draeger: "We see it as a consistent step to return to our roots after bidding farewell to formula one, and to expand our commitment to this discipline."