» DTM: Werner completes BMW line-up

BMW has confirmed that Dirk Werner has claimed the last available seat in the German carmaker’s six-car assault on the 2012 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters championship season.

The 30-year-old German has been a regular figure behind the wheel in helping the manufacturer test its all-new DTM challenger as it readies itself for its long-awaited return to the championship.

A former champion in Germany’s Porsche Carrera Cup series, Wener joined the BMW stable and has since won two GT championships in the Grand-Am series.

Representing the Bavarian manufacturer is reigning DTM champion Martin Tomczyk, DTM frontrunner Bruno Spengler, three-time WTCC title-holder Andy Priaulx, WTCC race-winner Augusto Farfus and ALMS winner Joey Hand.

“Dirk convinced us he was the right man during the tests,” [he] is the ideal way to complete our driving line-up,” BMW motorsport director Jens Marquardt is quoted as saying.

“The result of our efforts over the past few months is a line-up that we believe will achieve great things in the DTM. It boasts speed, experience and a host of international titles. I am pleased that our line-up has such an international feel to it. Two drivers from North America, a South American, a Brit, and two German drivers: our team also offers fans a lot of variety.”

Rival manufacturers Audi (seven cars) and Mercedes-Benz (eight cars) are still to finalise their line-ups ahead of the eleven-race championship season, which kicks off in late April at Hockenheim.

Audi has so far confirmed it will retain last year’s championship runner-up Mattias Ekström alongside former DTM champion Timo Scheider and 2011 rookie Rahel Frey.

Mercedes-Benz has only confirmed it has retained the services of Gary Paffett and Ralf Schumacher.

[Images via DTM Media and LAT]