BMW confirms Sauber buy-out
'Realignment' means WilliamsF1 is finally dumped
BMW now owns the farm
BMW chief Prof. Burkhard Göschel said, “This decision is a strong, long-term affirmation of BMW’s commitment to Formula One. We anticipate that Formula One will emerge strengthened from the current restructuring phase and that it will continue to represent the top echelon of motor sport for the future as well. For BMW, Formula One is thus the right platform for demonstrating our competence as a car manufacturer.
"Success in Formula One increasingly depends on the perfect interplay of all factors. That is why we have resolved to extend our involvement beyond our present role of engine partner. With a team managed by BMW we will, as of next year, take on responsibility for the entire package, which will include the key factors of the chassis, tyres and drivers. Naturally this decision impacts on our partnership with WilliamsF1. We want to discuss the future options together with WilliamsF1 in order to find the right way forward for both sides.
"We do not expect instant success from the new constellation, but we are convinced that we have chosen the right path for the long term. ”
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said, “The realignment of our Formula One strategy is based on two insights. Firstly, the influence of the engine on the winning potential of the overall package has diminished; the car, tyres and drivers play a greater role than they used to. Secondly, from our point of view, an optimal overall package can only be achieved with a fully integrated team and coherent processes throughout.
"In restructuring we are taking account of these insights. At Sauber we have found a solid foundation for vehicle development and production, along with the requisite know-how and one of the most modern wind tunnels. The results achieved there so far are worthy of respect in the light of the team’s limited budget.
"BMW will not only maintain this foundation but build on it. That applies both to the facilities and to the staff. Additional workplaces will be created at the Sauber headquarters in Hinwil. The new team will be managed as a fully integrated project from two locations, as has long been standard practice at BMW for series production.
"We are aware that we face a learning curve, that although you can plan success you can’t buy it off the peg. After showing that BMW is capable of building the best Formula One engine, we are starting out as it were at apprenticeship level on the complex task of tackling the vehicle as a whole. That demands patience and stamina. We possess both, as well as a concrete work programme. The technical cooperation has already begun.
"In the partnership with WilliamsF1 we have celebrated successes together and taken the team forward. Both partners today are stronger than at the outset of our joint venture and are thus equipped for the future. What that future will look like will be decided over the next weeks. Irrespective of that decision, we are concentrating on the current season. We still have quite a few goals for this year and we will apply all our powers and professionalism to implement them together with WilliamsF1.”
New team, new drivers
The new structure with managerial and key positions, including the driver line-up, and the name of the new team will be worked out by the take-over date of 1st January 2006, said BMW. The team will present itself to the public at the beginning of 2006. The factory in Hinwil will continue to be operated as a legally independent Swiss company linked to BMW Motorsport.
BMW said that its move into F1 full-time won't affect its other motorsport projects. It will continue its commitment to touring car racing – both in the new World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC) and in leading individual events such as 24-hour races. Formula BMW with its four series in Asia, Britain, Germany and North America will also continue. This year it will feature a world final for the first time.
Outgoing team manager Peter Sauber said, “For Sauber, the partnership with BMW is an ideal solution as it supports the two goals which have always been paramount for me: firstly, to offer the team the possibility of improving their sporting performance, and secondly, to safeguard the site at Hinwil and the jobs of today’s 300-strong workforce.
"The involvement of six car manufacturers has resulted in significant changes to Formula One in recent years. For the private teams in particular it has become increasingly difficult to secure the kind of solid financing that will also allow for sporting success. For some years I have also been thinking in terms of succession planning – in the light of the very specific demands of Formula One, that is no easy matter.
"The partnership with BMW guarantees continuity. For that reason, too, it represents an ideal solution, because I know it will give the workforce a very good outlook. Over more than 35 years, I have guided this company through often stormy seas, which is why it is so important for me to know that it will be in good hands in future as well.”
"The new partnership is also made possible by Credit Suisse, which over the next three years will successively sell off its shares in Sauber Holding AG to BMW as well. Credit Suisse took over these shares in 2002 with a view to placing them with suitable investors in due course."
Twincam16 said:
I have a nasty feeling Williams' competetiveness is going to suffer.
I think it is the current BMW engine that is holding Williams back currently. Contrary to previous years, Williams have been far better on aerodynamic centric tracks this year and haven't once appeared in the top 5 speed trap figures. In Canada, they were slower down the straights than the Jordan-Toyotas!
I think that Toyota wouldn't have too much issue pulling their second supply from Jordan in favour of a more competitive team. Equally Honda, with memories of the late 80s and the likelihood that Button (a driver from a key Honda market) will move to Williams next year could well make a supply of engines available. Both of these seem to be better than the current BMW.
I personally think that, at least for next year, Williams will continue to run with BMW engines and, hopefully BMW will put extra effort in if they're using it for their own team!
BMW said:
In the partnership with WilliamsF1 we have celebrated successes together and taken the team forward. Both partners today are stronger than at the outset of our joint venture and are thus equipped for the future.
Err, I don't think so!!!
How many World Championships (Drivers & Constructors) did Williams celebrate with the likes of Ford/Cosworth, Honda & Renault over the years???
...and how many with BMW!!!??
Time for Williams to move on and start winning again, poss with Button (he says, remembering watching Mansell, Hill, Coulthard, et-al)
Williams are in a difficult position. Which of the current manufacturers would want Williams as a 'customer'. Minardi, Jordan, Sauber, and Reb Bull (in current incarnations Eddie's Jordans & Stewart's Stewart did win) have not won even won a race, or come close to a championship. Williams however are proven winners. Honda have suggested they are talking to Williams about supplying a second team 'for the good of the sport' but how would Honda feel if:
Williams pinch Honda's current lead driver (so BAR recruit DC?)
Williams Design a better car
Then JB stuffs DC and Honda in the championship
The same scenario could be said if they keep BMW - except that Williams would try harder just to prove a point.
In the short term they do have engines - but surely Williams will want a manufacturer to link up with soon. Any bets on Ford doing another U turn and linking up with Williams? How about a diesel Peugeot they could do the whole season on one engine!!
Ferrari vs BMW vs Toyota (is simple)
Rather than Williams and Sauber who mean nothing to average people as they don't make road cars.
It occurs to me that there past successes were attributable to a time when it was possible to have a vast difference between the competitiveness of engine manufacturers, and when even variables in fuel and tyres were greater than they are now.
To me, Williams are nothing special. They do not have a monopoly on fine engineering and organisation, for that is common across the paddock now. And they do not have a divine right to be successful.
Looking at Williams right now , I see a mediocre outfit with an average chassis and an OK engine, and average drivers as well.
I am not surprised that BMW gave up on them. BMW must have wondered if they could do better in the long term if they had complete control. And I don't blame them.
I also agree that Williams - for so long an engineering led team - has lost that advantage. However, let's remember that they lost their most talented resource - Newey - several years before they gained the BMW engine. Had Newey been there, his talents, combined with the power advantage that the BMW engine then had over the rest of the field, would have seen them return to the top of the pile.
I cannot though, understand just why Williams managed to stifle Geoff Willis. Both Geoff and Gavin Fisher provided strength in depth to Newey and of the 2, Fisher seemed to be the one to succeed Newey. As Willis has now proved at BAR, he's the one that had the ability to make the leap to Technical Director status. But could Gavin have also done this?...perhaps Patrick Head stifles talent.....
rubystone said:The guys who work at Williams certainly would tell you that it is not a warm and fuzzy place.
The problem Williams face is that the engine suppliers on teh grid nowadays all have first string teams - Mercedes, BMW, Toyota, Honda and Renault don't need or want to supply a second team that actually has the wherewithal to beat them!...how embarrassing would that be!....so this only leaves Cosworth....and if Button was smart, he'd have written into his option that the move could only happen if Williams had a works engine deal. He's better off at BAR.
I also agree that Williams - for so long an engineering led team - has lost that advantage. However, let's remember that they lost their most talented resource - Newey - several years before they gained the BMW engine. Had Newey been there, his talents, combined with the power advantage that the BMW engine then had over the rest of the field, would have seen them return to the top of the pile.
I cannot though, understand just why Williams managed to stifle Geoff Willis. Both Geoff and Gavin Fisher provided strength in depth to Newey and of the 2, Fisher seemed to be the one to succeed Newey. As Willis has now proved at BAR, he's the one that had the ability to make the leap to Technical Director status. But could Gavin have also done this?...perhaps Patrick Head stifles talent.....
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