IMSA: BMW “not ruling out” P2

BMW continues to find itself at the center of speculation as a manufacturer with an eye on entering IMSA's new-look P2-based Prototype class in 2017. With a brand-new GT3-spec model being readied for competition in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, BMW Motorsport boss Jens Marquardt says the marque isn't ready to tackle IMSA's top Prototype category, but he also isn't ready to rule out the German brand's expansion into the class after its twin-turbo M6 settles into GT Le Mans and GT Daytona.

"At the moment, definitely our focus is on the GT project next year and getting the M6 on the road, but I would not rule it out completely at this time," Marquardt told RACER. "For sure there are no plans for that right now because we are looking to get a good start to the GT program, and then look at things from there."

With General Motors, Mazda, and possibly Bentley joining the 2017 Prototype ranks, the addition of a heavyweight like BMW would be a significant score for IMSA. Just as Marquardt makes it clear BMW isn't ready to add its name to the Prototype class, it's also evident the company is keeping an eye on where IMSA takes the unique engines and custom bodywork that will be allowed with the P2-based Daytona Prototype International cars.

"We want to see how the whole package develops over here," he said. "It's not the hottest thing on our list right now, but we had a successful partnership with Steve Dinan before in DP (pictured), and it would depend on which type of engine would be permitted. This is something where we would need to learn more to understand the direction of the class as it goes ahead. As I said, it's not really high on our list at the moment, but I would not rule it out completely."