BMW CONFIRM WTCC PROGRAMME
2 December 2008

BMW have confirmed their participation in the FIA World Touring Car Championship for the 2009 season. The announcement was released on 29 November in Munich, during the marque's traditional Sport Pokal party.

"Touring cars have traditionally been very important to BMW," said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen (right).

Between 2005 and 2007, BMW won for three consecutive times the WTCC Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships, while this year, despite six race victories, they had to settle with second place in the Manufacturers' Championship behind SEAT and fourth in the Drivers' Championship.

Theissen commented: "I am pleased that a compromise was reached regarding the 2009 rules. This balances out the different engine concepts and should allow for fair and even competition between the manufacturers."

"We are absolutely determined to be back at the top of the WTCC at the 2009 season finale in Macau. We shall announce our team and driver line up later."

BMW MOTORSPORT BOSS CONGRATULATES SEAT

For the first time the FIA World Touring Car Championship was not won by BMW.

After Roberto Ravaglia's success in 1987 and Andy Priaulx's (left) three consecutive titles in 2005, 2006 and 2007, the Munich-based manufacturer had to settle in 2008 for six race wins and second place in the Manufacturers' Championship.

However, BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen, sportingly congratulated the winners: "Our heartiest congratulations to Yvan Muller and SEAT. With their turbo diesel engine our opponents dominated proceedings this year."

"Naturally we are disappointed not to have successfully defended either title. Nevertheless we are proud of our results during the season."

"To have scored six victories in a tightly-contested series is still a respectable achievement. All the same, things must change for next year."

"The basis is a set of regulations which offer all the manufacturers the opportunity of competing in a balanced and fair competition. This basic principle is absolutely crucial to the future of the WTCC."