Gerhard Berger decision expected soon

Gerhard Berger
By Andrew Hooper
January 7 2003

BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger will soon make a decision regarding his future with BMW. But from comments made by the Austrian he would only be happy to stay with BMW if they move from been an engine supplier in F1 to that of a constructor, ending the partnership with WilliamsF1.


	Berger set to make decision

	BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger has yet to make a decision regarding his future with BMW, but one can be expected within the next four to six weeks. But from recent comments by the Austrian he may choose to leave BMW if they continue to remain as an engine supplier rather than entering F1 with a car of their own. Berger said on the BMW Motorsport web site: “If I should decide to go on for another period of time in motor sports then I’d prefer to do so with BMW. There’s no question about that. And if that was the case I also believe that I would be welcome at BMW and I would very much like to go to BMW. The question, however, is: shall I quit or continue.” “I believe during the last two years we have proved that we have constructed the best Formula 1 engine.” Berger's decision hangs on whether BMW decides, in the next few weeks, to extend their engine supply deal with WilliamsF1 beyond 2004 or build their own Formula 1 car. Berger was asked about his plans on Austrian TV and he replied that: "It depends on what is going to happen after 2004. "If BMW decides to build its own Formula 1 car that would of course be a brilliant challenge and I would sit straight down to negotiate with BMW." From these comments it would appear that Berger is not keen on continuing BMW's partnership with WilliamsF1. Berger added: "We have already built the best F1 engine and so our job is 90 per cent done. So that would mean a challenge is lacking. “When we debuted in Formula 1 we reached the rostrum even in the very first race. And since then we have continuously improved and by finishing second in the world championships this year we certainly have achieved our objectives once more.” "I'm not doing this job for the money but because motor sport is my life." If BMW decides to continue with WilliamsF1 beyond 2004 it would seem that Berger's days in Formula One are numbered, but if BMW goes it alone then we will see more of the Austrian. Berger's comments are a bit of an ultimatum for BMW, as if they want to keep Berger on board they may go building and entering their own car. The effect on BMW's departure from the WilliamsF1 team would be major as there are very few car manufacturers on the horizon that could replace BMW.