NEWS [ 884 ] - 7 Dec 2004
BMW MOTORSPORT CHIEF SPEAKS OF THE FIA WTCC

In touring car racing, BMW faces a new challenge. The FIA European Touring Car Championship, in which BMW and Andy Priaulx won the Manufacturers' and Drivers' title respectively in 2004, will become the FIA World Touring Car Championship - the third FIA-sanctioned World Championship besides Formula One and the World Rally Championship.
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director, comments: "We are looking forward to the World Championship very much. It signifies a major upgrade for touring car racing. This title contest has only ever been held once, and it was won by BMW in 1987."
As in the FIA ETCC, the FIA WTCC will also see customer teams competing with the backing of national BMW sales organisations.
"For BMW Motorsport it is a very crucial advantage that the 320i, developed in Munich according to the FIA Super 2000 regulations, can be fielded worldwide in many national race series,” Theissen said. “Private and professional teams buying the FIA WTCC kit will get a vehicle with winning potential. And this will give a major contribution to BMW's impressive tally of successes in touring car racing."