BMW Motorsport Programme 2004

By BMW Motorsport
December 7 2003

	BMW Motorsport Programme 2004
	Challenging and diverse is how one might describe the BMW Motorsport programme for 2004. It was presented at a press conference on Saturday in the Austrian town of Seefeld by BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: "The number one priority is naturally our challenge for the Formula One World Championship with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. I believe we've got what it takes. We have developed a further new engine in Munich and we want to set the benchmark for Formula One again in 2004 with the BMW P84. Our partner WilliamsF1 has announced the second innovative chassis in succession, and we can continue to depend on our successful drivers Juan Pablo Montoya, Ralf Schumacher and Marc Gené." On the touring car racing front, BMW is similarly preparing to launch its offensive with the BMW 320i in the hands of national teams in the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), as well as two BMW M3 GTRs fielded in the 24-hour events on the Nürburgring and at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). Theissen: "We want to defend our Manufacturers' title in the ETCC. The sports authorities have yet to make a decision concerning the Drivers' title for 2003. As for 2004, we certainly have it in our sights." Dirk and Jörg Müller have already been confirmed as ETCC drivers for BMW Team Germany managed by Schnitzer-Motorsport. Both works driver contracts have been extended to 2005 inclusive. The two namesakes will also be competing in the 24-hour races. Theissen: "The BMW M3 GTR with its V8 engine is one of the most spectacular touring cars BMW has ever produced. We would like to see European endurance wins next year added to its record of successes and titles in the 2001 American Le Mans Series." The company's commitment to promoting young driving talent is also being expanded. While the Formula BMW ADAC Championship enters its third year in Germany, Formula BMW Asia will embark on its second season. 2004 will see the inauguration of the Formula BMW UK and Formula BMW USA series. As Theissen explains, "Formula BMW has established itself as the first port of call for drivers around the world wanting to enter into formula racing, thanks to its modern racing technology and unrivalled safety standards. The same applies to its multidisciplinary training programme and scholarships." The backing of customer teams in mass motorsport events will continue as before. This includes bonus payments for successes in the newly created DMSB Production Car Championship, which replaces the German Touring Car Challenge (DTC), and the annual invitation to contend for the lucrative BMW Sports Trophy.