BMW returns to DTM with six M3 race cars

The six cars will be fielded by three different teams, BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM, and newcomer Reinhold Motorsport GmbH, starting from the 2012 season. The Bavarian carmaker will go up against its long-time rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters).

"The concepts presented by BMW Team RBM, BMW Team Schnitzer and Reinhold Motorsport GmbH ultimately convinced us. This is an excellent team line-up for BMW. For us, it is important that all three teams have absolute equal rights. We are looking forward to cooperating over the coming years - and hope to enjoy great success together," said BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen.

BMW Motorsport has not announced its driver's line-up for its return to DTM. Of the three teams, Schnitzer had previously collaborated with BMW in the DTM in the 1980s and early 1990s, winning the DTM title in 1989.

BMW was previously officially involved in the DTM from 1987 to 1992, and won two titles in 1987 and 1989 with its E30 M3 model, under the helm of drivers Eric van de Poele and Roberto Ravaglia respectively. Prior to that, privateer team Gubin won the inaugural 1984 DTM season with Volker Strycek piloting a 635CSi.