BMW Buyout One Step Closer to Reality

By Jamie Makin
May 5 2005

The rumours have been circulating for some time now that BMW would buy all or part of the SAUBER PETRONAS team. The buyout will soon move one step closer to reality as head of BMW Motorsport, Mario Theissen will present a purchase plan to the BMW Board of Directors.

The Munich-based automaker has a long standing relationship with the Williams F1 team as a supplier of engines and technical collaboration. It is no secret that the two parties have been less than pleased with their current arrangement. BMW has sought a controlling interest in the team but Sir Frank Williams has no interest in selling.

This is where the SAUBER team has caught BMW's eye. SAUBER's attractive Hinwil facility has been recently upgraded with a top-of-the-line wind tunnel and supercomputer. It is located in relatively close proximity to Munich and is already staffed with a number of personnel with BMW backgrounds, including technical director Willy Rampf. The team essentially has everything it needs to succeed in F1 except for the funding and manufacturer support currently enjoyed by the top teams.

Credit Suisse currently owns the majority of the Swiss team although Peter Sauber has remained in charge. These are the shares that BMW are most likely to buy, although a total buyout is conceivable.

Theissen stated a while ago that he expects a decision in June as to which teams would receive BMW's V8 engines next season. Their interest in buying SAUBER continues to back up speculation that the Swiss team will run with BMW power. Meanwhile, Williams is reportedly negotiating with Cosworth despite having a long-term contract with BMW through 2009.