AGREEMENT REACHED ON SALE OF BMW SUBER TEAM

Qadbak Investments Ltd, a Swiss-based foundation which represents the interests of certain Middle East and European based families, has agreed to purchase the team, based in Hinwil, Switzerland. Qadbak´s interest in the team will be represented by Lionel Fischer, a Swiss national.

“BMW wishes Qadbak and the Sauber Team every success for the 2010 season and beyond,” said BMW in an official statement announcing the deal.

The recent uncertainty surrounding BMW Sauber’s future means they do not have a confirmed entry for next season. However, the FIA has said it will be pressing for a 14-team field in 2010, with BMW Sauber guaranteed the final slot if the necessary rule changes can be agreed. f1

BMW’s Formula One withdrawal paves way for Mini to enter WRC

BMW-owned Mini is being linked to a return to the World Rally Championship with its upcoming 4x4 model.
According to Autocar magazine, the crossover, which is rumoured to be called the Countryman and due to go on sale next year, would be turned into a WRC contender for the 2011 season.
The Mini Countryman JCW will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, which will fall in line with proposed powerplants for future WRC cars.
Ex-rally driver Paddy Hopkirk, who won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S, continues to work for BMW as an ambassador.
He told British publication Motorsport News, “The level of engineering is amazing and very diligent – they’re a company that doesn’t take shortcuts. Everything they do they do well. If there is aproblem they will throw more money at it until they get it right. Without the [BMW Sauber] Formula One project there could be more money to do that.
“People love the Mini and actually love the new Mini as well. It would be terrific to see Mini in the WRC. I’ve got the highest respect for the company and it would be magnificent for the glory days of rallying to return and for Mini to be a part of that.
“I’m kind of an ambassador for the company already. I drive a Mini on the road and I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t believe in the product. I love the car.”
(SportsProMedia)

Sauber looks to keep F1 team afloat, and Nelson Piquet, former three times F1 Word Champion will be interested!

Peter Sauber, founder of the BMW-Sauber team, who still owns 20 per cent of the team after selling a majority stake to BMW in 2005, has ruled out a personal return to the role of team principal, but, has vowed to use his contacts to help secure a sale of the team to a backer who will keep it running.

“I will do everything humanly possible, I can’t do wonders and I certainly don’t want to be team boss on the pit wall again. The problem is that time is short and we need to find a solution quickly. I’ve told all my people that I will use all my contacts, but I cannot guarantee anything. I am an adviser to BMW, but ultimately only it can decide how to drive it forward.” Sauber said.


Brazilian newspaper O Globo claims that retired driver Nelson Piquet, is considering a buy-out of the team in collaboration with Super Nova GP2 team chief David Sears.