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BMW blames recession as it quits Formula 1
Decision made as car giant scores only eight points in championship
German motor manufacturer BMW has announced it is to pull out of Formula 1 at the end of the season, four years after taking over the Sauber team.
BMW had given themselves three years to win the world championship and won their first Grand Prix in 2008 but so far this season they have amassed only eight points after their 2009 car proved to be uncompetitive .
The company blamed "current developments in motor sport" for their decision, but the economic downturn is also being blamed.
BMW are the second major manufacturer to leave the sport since the end of last season following Honda's withdrawal in December, and the move leaves the team’s highly-rated drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld facing an uncertain future.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
Tom Cary, Daily Telegraph: "BMW's withdrawal comes just eight months after Honda's dramatic exit last December and throws the signing of the new legally-binding Concorde Agreement into serious doubt. It had been anticipated that the document, which would bind 13 teams to the sport until 2012, would be signed at the end of this week, but that must now be in doubt with Toyota and Renault also rumoured to be considering their futures. A massive downturn in road car sales is understood to be the key factor in BMW's decision although poor on-track performance was also clearly a contributing factor."
Jonathan McEvoy, Daily Mail: "While Formula One continues to struggle in the recession, BMW’s impending departure will free up their star Polish driver Robert Kubica as Ferrari look for someone to replace the injured Felipe Massa. Kubica, the man world champion Lewis Hamilton measured himself against as they rose together through the ranks, could even be in place to drive for Ferrari at the next race, the European Grand Prix in Valencia on August 23. Ferrari are considering whether to bring in a replacement for Felipe Massa, who was badly hurt during qualifying for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix. Kubica's team-mate Nick Heidfeld will also be up for grabs later this year."
The Guardian: "The FIA claimed today that BMW Sauber's withdrawal from Formula One could have been avoided if initial planned cost cuts had been imposed. The team confirmed they are to pull out at the end of the season, ending their four-year involvement as a fully fledged manufacturer. The news comes just eight months after Honda announced their exit, which sparked the FIA into action, and ultimately a war with the Formula One Teams' Association over funding and the future direction of F1." ·
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In the interest of reducing carbon emissions all Motor sport which involves teams taking their cars spares and eqipment around the world should cease. The same is true for the Olympic games. Each country who wants to should retain their own races locally. The only future for cars is to use electricity where possible.