BMW has announced it is to quit Formula 1 at the end of the 2009 season, as AUTOSPORT predicted last night. The news was confirmed at a press conference in Munich this morning, and comes on the back of a disappointing campaign for the outfit. Dr. Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the BMW board, said that the decision was made after a refining of the company's future strategy. "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 increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead. In line with our Strategy Number ONE, we are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability. Our Formula 1 campaign is thus less a key promoter for us. "Mario Theissen has been in charge of our motor sports program since 1999. We have scored a large number of successes in this period, including some in Formula 1 racing. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mario Theissen and his team for this." BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen, who spearheaded the company's efforts as an engine supplier with Williams and then later with BMW Sauber, said he understood the reasons behind the withdrawal. "Of course, we, the employees in Hinwil and Munich, would all have liked to continue this ambitious campaign and show that this season was just a hiccup following three successful years," he said. "But I can understand why this decision was made from a corporate perspective. We will now focus sharply on the remaining races and demonstrate our fighting spirit and put in a good result as we bid farewell to Formula 1 racing." Dr. Klaus Draeger, member of the board who is responsible for development, said this season's poor results had played a part in the move to quit F1. "It only took us three years to establish ourselves as a top team," he said. "Unfortunately, we were unable to meet expectations in the current season. "Nevertheless, our ten years of Formula 1 experience have had a major impact on our development engineers. We have racing to thank for numerous technological innovations as well as the competitive spirit that drives us to develop mass-produced cars." http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77400
Thanks Bro! B is in real need of getting its handling sorted out first before looking for any gains in engine performance....it drives like a PIG for now. haha..
it'll be interesting if any of the owners here who are going to dms their cars soon will do a basline dyno run and then compare the chipped one after. I'm a big fan of rob's work, DMSed all my dms-able cars, and have been jio jioing every enthusiast around me to get it done, but surprisingly all this while, neither me nor any of my friends got a dyno comparison. Dyno figures are of course subjective, depending on the machine and the correction factor used, so the exercise is not focused on the numbers, but on the shape of the curve instead. Anyone want to run down for a basline? Can I kaypoh and tag along? butt-feel wise, the chip really does make a significantly noticeable difference. also, if you guys have anymore drives or kopi session coming up, i'll love to tag along if its okay. Jio no: 96199100 Shawn. Also have an idea. If we have enough interest, we could book our own track day? bring our F, M, L, P-cars down for a unique trackday, even astons, AMG, Pagani, etc and whoever buys the Noble. Maybe those who wanna try out their bentleys, even. Organise a unique photoshoot while we're there too. What say you guys? Even those who are not so track- or performance- inclined, can also come too, just potter about and have stress-free fun. I once tracked my QP just for the heck of it. Ended up doing wild drifts around every turn (and kena black flagged in the process). Would be a fun idea, wouldnt it?
Hahaha I've always had a love/hate opinion of the Cali... love the name, love the retractable hardtop, love the 2+2 option, etc. but hate the rear (reminds me of the Williams sisters somehow). Anyway, the F458 has put all my headaches to rest...
Schumacher comeback!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is the best news I've heard in a long time. BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!
Totally agreed. Lambos sound much softer compared to Ferraris when stock. Yeah I hope he makes a comeback too! Love him!! Wow quite a new one at that. One of three or four yellow 599s around?
Seriously? I saw the ad today, 800K, i'd pick it up, but when i called, guy said it was sold. Pfft. Seems like a hoax to me
Ferrari announced on Wednesday that they plan to draft in Michael Schumacher to replace the injured Felipe Massa at forthcoming Grands Prix, until the Brazilian is able to race again. The seven-times world champion, who retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006, will undergo a special training programme over the next few days to confirm he is fit enough to compete in next months European Grand Prix. "The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive, said Schumacher. I wish him all the best again. I was meeting this afternoon with (Ferrari team principal) Stefano Domenicali and (chairman) Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe. Though it is true that the Formula One chapter has been completely closed for me for a long time, it is also true that for reasons of loyalty to the team I cannot ignore this unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am I also very much look forward to facing this. Schumacher has not driven Ferraris current F60 in anger and last tested for the Italian team, with whom he won five world titles, back in April 2008.
