THE BMW name will return to the British Touring Car Championship after privateer racer Martyn Bell concluded a deal to race next season.

Bell, a veteran BMW racer, will drive the car which powered Dirk Muller to second place in the world championship.

The 41-year-old from Lincolnshire said: "I've always wanted to race in the British Touring Car Championship and the time is right to go for it. It's affordable and is Britain's -- in fact probably Europe's --premier series and I feel confident we can give a good account of ourselves."

BMW won the British series with Joachim Winkelhock in 1993.

The championship involves Worcestershire drivers Matt Neal, the current holder, and Dan Eaves.