BMW quits Formula One

**Monseratto** · July 29th, 2009 06:55 PM

Same reasons as to why Honda quit earlier. Nothing to gain from a business point of view...

BERLIN - BMW Sauber confirmed on Wednesday that they will pull out of Formula One at the end of what has been a disastrous season for the German car manufacturer.

"The BMW Group will not continue its Formula One campaign after the end of the 2009 season," BMW chairman Norbert Reithofer said.

"Of course, this was a difficult decision for us, but it's a resolute step in view of our company's strategic realignment," he said.

"Premium will be increasingly defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead.

"We are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability. Our Formula One campaign is thus less a key promoter for us."

The announcement makes the German car group the second major manufacturer to pull out of the sport following Honda's withdrawal in December.

BMW have had a poor campaign with drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica giving the team just eight points this season from ten Grand Prix to leave them eighth in the nine-team constructors' championship.

**rpacis** · July 29th, 2009 08:01 PM

Another blow to the motorsport. Anyway, at least we have three new teams to look forward to in the 2010 season.

**tidus1203** · July 29th, 2009 08:39 PM

There is no replacement for big manufacturers. These small teams are so unstable that they can fold rather quickly after string of bad performances. Teams like Prost, Arrows basically mga privateers are very risky.

**CVT** · July 31st, 2009 08:13 AM

Yup, unless somebody picks up the tab for them for the next season.... One of their major sponsors is Petronas, right?....

8404:duel:

**overdrayv** · August 2nd, 2009 03:40 AM

Former team principal Peter Sauber is believed to be working alongside BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen to evaluate a rescue package for the BMW Sauber Formula 1 team, following the German manufacturer's decision to withdraw from the sport at the end of the season.

A spokesman for Sauber told Autosport that the 65-year-old Swiss was looking at all possibilities to 'achieve a positive outcome' for the team.

Sauber, who sold the team in 2005 to BMW following more than 25 years as a racing car constructor in F1 and sports prototypes, told a hastily convened press briefing in Switzerland that he had vowed to do all he could to save the jobs of his former employees.

"I will do everything humanly possible," Sauber was quoted on Bild's website as saying. "I can't do wonders and I certainly do not want to be team boss on the pitwall again.

"The problem is that time is short and we need to find a solution quickly."

Citing a similar situation to the one faced by Honda, where Ross Brawn and Nick Fry brought together a financial deal to safe-keep what became the Brawn GP team, Sauber said the final decision remained with BMW's board of directors.

"I've told all my people that I will use all my contacts, but I can't guarantee anything. I am an advisor to BMW but ultimately only they can decide how to drive it forward."

Sauber told the press conference that offers of investment had already been received for a potential rescue package and that he had forwarded these to BMW.

"The best solution would be a Ross Brawn-type solution at Honda," he said. "You need at least ten years to amass a team which can produce a F1 car to the level required and if we let this team fall apart the chances are that Switzerland will never again have such an opportunity."

Sauber, who retains a 20 per cent shareholding in the team, remained confident a solution could be found to keep the Hinwil-based squad in F1, adding: "I must add that in my 17 years in F1 I have solved bigger problems."

Autosport.com