The BMW team remains fully committed to Formula 1

Mario Theissen also wanted to emphasize that there was no doubt about the German car manufacturer’s commitment to Formula 1, despite the economic recession.

With Honda having withdrawn from the sport and Toyota admitting that withdrawing would be a real possibility, Theissen explains that Formula 1 is a good investment for BMW, especially with the new measures introduced this year that advocate cost reduction.

The team was able to massively reduce its operating costs over the past four years.

« Today in 2009, BMW spends 40% less than in 2005. At the time, we were an engine supplier, but now we have our own teams. Significant savings have been made through longer employment of each engine. »

« When BMW arrived in Formula 1 in 2000, we used one engine for free practice, one for qualifying, and then another for the race on Sunday. This expense gradually reduced since up to today, each driver has eight engines for the entire duration of the season, » he recalled.

« A very reduced testing schedule has allowed significant budget savings. Private testing is banned outside race weekends until December 31, 2009. The only exception will be tests for inexperienced young drivers once the season is over. We have therefore implemented a set of measures aimed at reducing costs. »

The head of BMW F1 has therefore completely invested himself in the sport in recent years, and it is clear that he does not plan to leave.

« Absolutely, » Theissen said when asked if he intended to stay in Formula 1. « We are starting to have real success on the track. »

« It is therefore not only our marketing experts who say that Formula 1 is a valuable tool for BMW. F1 remains at the heart of our program. »