[JAG]

Opel are supposed to be one of the manufacters David Richards expects to enter the WRC in the next 2/3 years. With a WRC round in Germany now Ford and Opel see the WRC as the best way to promote there cars/brands.

If Opel pull out Mercedes will have to pull out also with no factory opposition. BMW only want to compete in F1, ETCC and FIA GT/ALMS/LM with a version of the M3 GTR. The car was built for the ALMS because BMW get lots of coverage in the US with the car unlike F1 and the ETCC. Don't forget the M3 GTR has raced in GT in various incarnations since about 1996.

As for Nissan they have built a new GT 350Z that may be at LM/ALMS etc in 2004 and there are runours that any major return to international motorsport will be at LM with a prototype (maybe built by Prodrive).

The problem with the DTM is that its a national championship demanding the same budget as the WRC, ALMS/LM etc. which many importers cannot afford to enter unlike the BTCC ot French touring cars.