BMW to leave F1 at the end of 2009 - Confirmed

[JoostLamers]

I'm sure Kubica will find a seat, if not one of the existing teams, he'll be very welcome at one of the new teams.

[phil1993]

NobleF1: BMW only made the decision to quit on Tuesday

[hannibal_rising]

I'm sure Kubica will find a seat, if not one of the existing teams, he'll be very welcome at one of the new teams.

But for next year maybe Barichello and Piquet won't be, so there are two sits there... plus some surprises. I don't think Kovalainen will stay in McLaren... and so on.. I think we will have several changes from this year to the next one.

I think BMW is quitting just because this season results. It was much better when they supplied engines and not the chassis (to Williams, no?). It's like the Toyota story: A big name behind but very poor results...

[phil1993]

What if Toyota quit?...

[newtrex]

Oh no ! ! i thought BMW could have been top team next year..

[Ali]

I think BMW is quitting just because this season results. It was much better when they supplied engines and not the chassis (to Williams, no?). It's like the Toyota story: A big name behind but very poor results...

Oh come on, BMW did great job after they became a full constructer since 2006. They steadily made progress. First point, first podium, first pole and finally first win. I still believe 2009 season was just an exception like Ferrari's 2005 campaign and McLaren's 2006 challenger. BMW just didn't find the balance between KERS and aerodynamic package, not to mention their poor mechanical grip. They screwed nearly all alreas of this F1.09. I believed they would recover next year but unfortunately, it's all gone now.

[Ali]

And this development will only play into Mosley's hands. He surely will say "I told you so guys, don't trust manufacturers"

[phil1993]

I think BMW is quitting just because this season results. It was much better when they supplied engines and not the chassis (to Williams, no?). It's like the Toyota story: A big name behind but very poor results...

Oh come on, BMW did great job after they became a full constructer since 2006. They steadily made progress. First point, first podium, first pole and finally first win. I still believe 2009 season was just an exception like Ferrari's 2005 campaign and McLaren's 2006 challenger. BMW just didn't find the balance between KERS and aerodynamic package, not to mention their poor mechanical grip. They screwed nearly all alreas of this F1.09. I believed they would recover next year but unfortunately, it's all gone now.

2006 - Points (and 2 podiums)
2007 - Podiums
2008 - Pole, Podiums and a Win
2009 - Epic Failure

3/4 ain't bad, but its not good enough for the bosses... they're still continuing in WTCC though

[mikhailv]

I dont think it was litespeed, the one with wurz is it? I know they have debts in motorsport.

Prodrive should get the place.

But, apparently Mario Thiessen didnt even know they were pulling out until the announcement. it seems they have one bad year and they pull the plug. Wonder if they will pull out of WTCC because BMW isnt doing to well this year. Or last either.

Im confused because Rosberg was in discussions with BMW for a drive next year, which I dont understand....

[Ali]

Wonder if they will pull out of WTCC because BMW isnt doing to well this year. Or last either.

BMW will continue its programs in a number of motor sports series: BMW will appear on the starting grid in the touring car series and young driver promotion program in Formula BMW. This will be supplemented by BMW's participation in ALMS, the American Le Mans Series, endurance races and close-to-production customer sports.

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http://www.bmw-sauber-f1.com/en/index.html?lity=lswitch_de#/news/~337|0/

[phil1993]

BMW confirmed in the PC that they are to continue in the WTCC

[hannibal_rising]

I think BMW is quitting just because this season results. It was much better when they supplied engines and not the chassis (to Williams, no?). It's like the Toyota story: A big name behind but very poor results...

Oh come on, BMW did great job after they became a full constructer since 2006. They steadily made progress. First point, first podium, first pole and finally first win. I still believe 2009 season was just an exception like Ferrari's 2005 campaign and McLaren's 2006 challenger. BMW just didn't find the balance between KERS and aerodynamic package, not to mention their poor mechanical grip. They screwed nearly all alreas of this F1.09. I believed they would recover next year but unfortunately, it's all gone now.

2006 - Points (and 2 podiums)
2007 - Podiums
2008 - Pole, Podiums and a Win
2009 - Epic Failure

3/4 ain't bad, but its not good enough for the bosses... they're still continuing in WTCC though

They won 10 races with Williams.. just one by themselves... so... the problem is.....
Probably they thought the key of Williams' success were them... but it was not just that...

[phil1993]

Epsilon Euskadi interested in BMW slot

Epsilon Euskadi would be interested in taking the BMW Sauber team's vacant slot in Formula 1 in 2010, if the German squad is not sold on to new owners.

Epsilon was one of the teams to submit an entry for next year's championship, but in the end the FIA opted to give entries to Campos Meta1, Manor Grand Prix and Team US F1.

Epsilon boss Joan Villadelprat insisted however that he was still hopeful of making the grid in 2010 if one of the 13 teams on the list failed to compete.

Despite time running out to get the project ready in time, Villadelprat said his team is still working on its F1 plans and would be willing to take the spot if it was left open.

"We are still working on the project, at a much slower rate obviously because we don't have the security [to be on the grid]," Villadelprat told AUTOSPORT.

"What we can say is that the people who were interested in helping us are still interested, which is something incredible. And if the opportunity arises, we are going to attack it, there's no doubts about it."

The former F1 team manager admitted he was surprised about BMW's decision following all the work the German car maker has carried out for the future of the sport.

"I'm surprised because they have done a lot of work, on the Concorde Agreement, and being members of FOTA... But it's the always same with big manufacturers, and in the end it's other people making the decisions, and that's what Max Mosley feared and what he was saying."

On Wednesday, BMW announced it will withdraw from Formula 1 at the end of the 2009 season, and it is not yet known if the former Sauber squad will remain on the grid next year under a different name.

Board member Dr. Klaus Draeger said BMW was yet to decide on what it will do with the team or its staff.

"Since we only made this decision yesterday, we cannot provide any more precise information," he said. "We will develop and assess various scenarios and do our best to find a solution for the employees in Hinwil and the staff members involved in the Formula 1 project in Munich.

"We are aware of the responsibility we shoulder and will inform the staff as soon as we can make a clear statement."

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http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77404

[robert_kubica_fan]

I am really shocked...
It is just one bad season for them, and they want to leave F1?!
I think Robert should come to Brawn GP for Rubens or to McLaren for Heikki. I hope these two teams will be the best for him becouse I don't think Ferrari seat will be empty....
We will see...

[phil1993]

FOTA vow to save BMW Sauber

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77406