Opel set for Williams backed return in 2012

Opel have been linked with a potential return to the DTM for some time, but those rumours have now had more weight added with revelations the Williams F1 team have been talking to the GM marque.

Speaking to motorsport magazine Motorsport Aktuell, Williams F1 Team chairman Adam Parr confirmed that a meeting took place between the team and Opel several months ago, but any talk of a deal is premature, but that “Personally, I would love to do it. I would be very interested”.

Opel spokesman Volker Brien also said to the magazine that a decision on the company’s entry into the DTM was due “within the next two months”.

Opel left the DTM at the end of 2005 after a troubled season, with their best placed driver Heinz-Harald Frentzen only finishing eighth in the championship. Since then the DTM has been a two manufacturer championship.

With a new rules package being introduced in 2012, a number of manufacturers have been in talks with ITR, organisers of the championship. Opel joins a list which also includes Toyota, whose European development arm were present at the most recent round at the Norisring evaluating a potential entry.

Williams has recently re-extended it’s technical efforts outside of Formula One, building the Williams JPH1 chassis for the FIA Formula Two Championship.

The Williams team has a history in touring car racing, competing in the British Touring Car Championship between 1995-1999 with Renault, winning the championship in 1997 with Alain Menu and introducing a young Jason Plato to the championship.