[BTCC] BTCC 2023 season discussion, News and Rumours!

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by Pickles

Also am I right in saying WSR will no longer have factory BMW support from next year?

I may be wrong, but I think that WSR has or has had BMW UK dealer support rather than direct factory support. Whether that is to be continued or not , I haven't a clue.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

I may be wrong, but I think that WSR has or has had BMW UK dealer support rather than direct factory support. Whether that is to be continued or not , I haven't a clue.

Dick Bennetts confirmed in interview recently that they have zero factory support from BMW, and just a dealer connection.

[sceptic]

Originally Posted by tocatrucky

Mike Simpson's hand is quite heavy. His vision was to create GT-headed career drivers not F1-headed wealthy family drivers. That meant getting away from the FIA F4/F3/F2 ladder and aligned with a GT package, Plus good optics for the business anyway.

Except none of that was a factor.

SRO offered a deal that would save Ginetta a quarter of a million pounds a year compared with TOCA, in exchange for exclusivity.

[redshoes]

Originally Posted by Pdh

I would imagine he will be staying with the family team in their BMWs

You are assuming it's still the family team

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by redshoes

You are assuming it's still the family team

So... have MB bought the race team from Ciceley?

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Dick Bennetts confirmed in interview recently that they have zero factory support from BMW, and just a dealer connection.

sorry your wrong
show me where he said wsr has just a dealer connection

the team is supported direct by bmw uk and not dealers

this from their website;
In 2017, WSR were honoured to be chosen as BMW’s Manufacturer team in the BTCC as the German brand returned to the series in an official capacity following a 21-year absence

[Mike Harte]

Not wishing to start an argument, but BMW (UK) Ltd are not the factory, but it is the vehicle that is used to import and distribute worldwide products as well as the sales, repairs and maintenance of vehicles in the UK.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Mike Harte

Not wishing to start an argument, but BMW (UK) Ltd are not the factory, but it is the vehicle that is used to import and distribute worldwide products as well as the sales, repairs and maintenance of vehicles in the UK.

Who owns it? For example the Dutch Toyota and VAG importers are independent companies not owned by Toyota and VAG.

[crmalcolm]

My mistake. Apologies.

It was 09 Oct 22, when he said: "we're not a Works Team, we're a manufacturer assisted team"
I'd mis-recalled this as being 'dealer assisted' and was a misrepresentation by me.

It is the manufacturer providing some (small) financial backing for the manufacturer entry, but not factory support.

[Mike Harte]

Originally Posted by FIRE

Who owns it? For example the Dutch Toyota and VAG importers are independent companies not owned by Toyota and VAG.

I believe that it is a totally autonomous subsidiary of the German company, and 3 out of 4 directors are British with an HQ in the UK. Oh, and it oversees the dealer network.

[Pickles]

When I said 'factory' I probably should've said 'manufacturer', apologies for any confusion. Although as I understand BMW support of any kind will cease from 2023 onwards.

[touring fan01]

Originally Posted by FIRE

Who owns it? For example the Dutch Toyota and VAG importers are independent companies not owned by Toyota and VAG.

bmw uk is 100% owned by bmw

wsr are the manufacturer backed team for bmw.
its really simple.

[billy bleach]

Originally Posted by touring fan01

bmw uk is 100% owned by bmw

wsr are the manufacturer backed team for bmw.
its really simple.

Not if you want a semantic row it isn’t

[Evantra]

Originally Posted by Pickles

So... have MB bought the race team from Ciceley?

Ciceley have put their hospitality unit up for sale, which may or may not support this.

[Pickles]

Originally Posted by Evantra

Ciceley have put their hospitality unit up for sale, which may or may not support this.

Yea I saw that this morning, wasn't really sure what to read into it