BMW is returning to the British Touring Car Championship as a manufacturer team after 21 years away. The automaker is partnering with title-winners West Surrey Racing, which has been racing successfully and independently in BMW race cars since 2007. The official factory support from BMW UK this year means significant investment is being put into the team, including funding of technical developments that focuses on the latest BMW engine derivatives.

BMW last acted as a manufacturer team in 1996 when BMW Team Schnitzer sprinted in a BMW 320i line-up. For the coming series, three BMW 125i M Sport team cars will be seen racing on the circuits. The livery is designed with navy, light blue and red on white, the iconic colours that have always been associated with the manufacturer. The racing team is no less remarkable, with 2014 BTCC Champion Colin Turkington joined by 2013 Champion Andrew Jordan and WSR key racer Rob Collard.

BTCC commences with the opening round at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on April 1st and 2nd.