BMW to make more racing cuts

BMW, on the heels of a total F1 pullout, has continued to abandon motorsports. We have to wonder if the Formula BMW program and other US sports car programs, such as the Rahal ALMS GT2 effort might be on the chopping block as well.
For 2010, BMW has said it will cut its works teams from five cars to two. Roberto Ravaglia's ROAL Motorsport team is not likely to remain, compounded with Alex Zanardi's announcement that he is to leave the WTCC.

Schnitzer Motorsport is rumored to be the only BMW factory supported racing team in 2010, but is rumored to be leaving the WTCC for the VLN endurance series at the Nurburgring Nordschleife with the Gt2 M3. Deduction indicates that the 2-car RBM WTCC team would be the only one left standing, with Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus at the wheel.

BMW Motorsport boss Mario Theissen stated "a decision on next year's programmed will be taken on December 5".

In addition, FIAT's compact car brand SEAT, is said to also be withdrawing from the WTCC. It has already confirmed that it will be cutting the French team ORECA and 2008 Champ Yvan Muller.

"For sure BMW and SEAT are reducing their programs, but we will still have four manufacturers," contends Marcello Lotti, as quoted in this week's AUTOSPORT."

Surprisingly USA manufacturer Chevrolet will return with at least three cars and Lada is also expected to run three team with the Prioras badge in 2010.

Lotti defended the future of the series however, saying "I am working hard to have two new manufacturers when our new rules arrive in 2011," he added. "I'm sure we will have more than four."