Despite management reluctance BMW Motorsport {link} are considering developing a diesel powered 3 series racecar for the World Touring Car Championship {link}. BMW’s main competitor in the WTCC is SEAT {link}, which already race a diesel, with success, in the WTCC. For the last 3 years the WTCC has been won by petrol powered BMWs but the company is assessing what, if any, advantages a diesel powered 3 series would have in the World Championship.
BMW road car diesels have an enviable reputation for power and speed so it seems strange that BMW management are not overly keen on a diesel racecar. Doubly so when one considers the publicity and kudos Audi have gained from racing their diesel powered R10 TDI sports car {link} at Le Mans and in America.
The WTCC uses ballast to try and equalise power and handling differences between different engine and transmission configurations. This has always proved to be a little contentious and this is the main area of concern for the BMW Motorsport management but they have accepted that the diesel route is one that needs investigating and developing.
BMW road car diesels have an enviable reputation for power and speed so it seems strange that BMW management are not overly keen on a diesel racecar. Doubly so when one considers the publicity and kudos Audi have gained from racing their diesel powered R10 TDI sports car {link} at Le Mans and in America.
The WTCC uses ballast to try and equalise power and handling differences between different engine and transmission configurations. This has always proved to be a little contentious and this is the main area of concern for the BMW Motorsport management but they have accepted that the diesel route is one that needs investigating and developing.
