BMW M3 GT2 lined up for Le Mans

BMW has announced its intention to enter the Le Mans 24 Hours this year with its controversial V8-powered M3 GT2 contender.

The German manufacturer wants to race the M3 that competed in the 2009 American Le Mans Series in selected European events including the 24-hour races at Le Mans and Spa, and rounds of the Le Mans Series. However, it acknowledges that it will have to make changes to a car that has so far only been cleared to race under Le Mans rules in America and Asia.

A BMW spokesperson said, “The car will have to be modified. It will not be a new car, but there will be changes that have a little bit of an influence on performance. We are in positive discussions with organisers and governing bodies regarding the approval of the car.”

Schnitzer Motorsport, which is leaving the World Touring Car Championship, will spearhead BMW’s endurance assault in Europe.