BMW DTM news - BMW returns to DTM - 2010

The M3 is making a return to the grounds where it became a worldwide superstar - BMW is coming back to DTM.

The German car maker confirmed its intention to enter the 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters race series after expressing an interest earlier this year, and following some rather complicated technical discussions with umbrella organisation ITR e.V.

See more pics of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe

After its 16-year hiatus from DTM - and the company's withdrawal from Formula One last year - this is indeed good news.

BMW AG board member Dr Klaus Draeger said: "The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles."

And the vehicle in question is the one which made them famous. You may recall the original 'E30' M3 swept up numerous DTM trophies and, as a by-product, gave us the purest small saloon racer the world had seen. Who knows what BMW's newly promised commitment to DTM will offer for future M3s...

Excited?