Sad to see another big name go but that's how the cookie crumbles, I see now even more opportunity for other teams to come in. Wandering who is going to 'snap-up' the BMW Sauber team? Any thoughts?
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2008 Cayenne Turbo - 2007 BMW X5 4.8is (sold) - 2007 Landcruiser Prado - 1997 Wrangler TJ - 1957 LR
Jul 29, 2009 10:24:47 AM
Another article on this sad news:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8173865.stm
It's a real pity that the economic downturn and BMW's poor performance this season have made BMW lose its appetite for racing in F1 and, more significantly, its willingness to pay what it takes to stay in F1. But, of course, one can understand this decision - Honda made a similar decision last year. I wonder who may be next? Toyota? Renault?
Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 C2S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection
Jul 29, 2009 11:03:27 AM
Wise decision given the circumstances. BMW threw lots of cash in F1 and not only they didn't receive any reward but their excellent motorsport image has been tarnished in my eyes at least.
F1 is no-win situation for big manufacturers. They are expected to win because of their name but probability is against them so they get humiliated in the end. Even if they have some success for a short period, this is forgotten because it is difficult to win consistently. Out of the manufacturers who have competed over the last 30 years only Mercedes had some added value to their brand name. Not even Renault seem to have benefited at all.
Think how many burnt their fingers and their cash though:Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Porsche(Footwork),BMW, Lotus (later years) Yamaha and others I don't readily remember.
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It's not where you're going, it's how you get there that counts
Jul 29, 2009 2:40:29 PM
Poor Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld must be looking for a job for next year
They didn't deserve this... the 2009 car was to blame for the poor performances.
Hopefully some other team will be all too happy to hire them
Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 C2S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection
Jul 29, 2009 8:08:16 PM
That is big news. I can remember the BMW parmalat sponsored brabham bt 52 as the best looking F1 car and 1 of the first I watched regulalrly as a fan on TV in the early 80's.
Then the 1986 GP in Montreal watching in person the BT55 go by the corner stands in perfect weather with the big BMW M POWER graphics. Great memories.
BT 52 with tiny 4 cyl producing 1300 hp
Jul 30, 2009 11:27:51 AM
+1
It's expected that Ferrari will announce at Monza that Alonso will be driving for Ferrari next year. The other race seat will be occupied by either Massa (subject to him making a full recovery) or Kimi. Schumi's return is extremely likely to be temporary only - just to cover Felipe's absence through injury. So no room in Ferrari for Kubica.
Rennteam Moderator - 997.1 C2S Coupe GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection
Jul 31, 2009 1:37:44 AM
Schumi just confirmed he will drive for Ferrari in SPA!!! This is epic!!
1986 BMW 325e 5spd 2.7L 121 hp (172 lb·ft) Cosmos Blau on Tan leather.
2005 Ford Focus S, 5spd 2.0L 136hp (120lb-ft) CD silver on grey (sold)
1986 Porsche 944, 5spd 2.5L 150hp (168lb-ft) champagne gold on grown leather. (sold)
reginos:
F1 is no-win situation for big manufacturers. They are expected to win because of their name but probability is against them so they get humiliated in the end. Even if they have some success for a short period, this is forgotten because it is difficult to win consistently. Out of the manufacturers who have competed over the last 30 years only Mercedes had some added value to their brand name. Not even Renault seem to have benefited at all.
Think how many burnt their fingers and their cash though:Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Porsche(Footwork),BMW, Lotus (later years) Yamaha and others I don't readily remember.
You cannot see F1 as a financial investment as some of the manufacturers want their shareholders and board members to believe. As a matter of fact, only one team can win the championship.
Therefore, as much as I love the contribution of big names in F1, their coming and going make the series much more inconsistent than the participation of smaller, indipendent teams.