This is good news for all fans of Augusto Farfus: The 27-year-old Brazilian will be part of BMW’s driver line-up, when the brand makes its DTM comeback in 2012. In Munich’s BMW Welt Farfus was presented as one of the first two drivers for the forthcoming season alongside Andy Priaulx.

In addition, BMW officially launched the first version of the 2012 race car, the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car. With a newly developed V8 engine, this driving machine promises to be a competitive challenger for Farfus’ maiden season in DTM.

Farfus can look back on a successful career with BMW. This is proven by 15 wins in the World Touring Car Championship, the triumph at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2010, and many more successful races in BMW racing cars. Now Farfus, who is part of the BMW GT racing programme this year, is determined to shine in DTM as well.

“I am delighted BMW is giving me the opportunity to race in the DTM,” said Farfus. “You always need new challenges in life. That is why I cannot wait for my debut in this series. The opposition is tough and has more experience in recent years, but BMW Motorsport is working incredibly hard to ensure we should be competitive right from the word go. We want to learn as quickly as possible. Who knows, maybe we can challenge the established manufacturers a bit as early as in 2012.”

The DTM is one of the most popular production car racing series worldwide. Its rounds are mainly held in Germany, with several being staged on international race tracks. In the 2011 season, former Formula 1 stars like David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher spice up the show every race weekend. Huge crowds attend the exciting races. Apart from BMW, Audi and Mercedes will field cars in the 2012 DTM season.