14/01/2008
NEWS STORY
Now that it has its feet well and truly under the table, a successful F1 entrant in its own right, BMW has revealed that it is fully prepared to provide engines for a rival team, if requested.
Between 2000 and 2005, BMW provided engines for Williams, the Anglo-German partnership winning ten races together. However, carrying on where former BMW Motorsport Director Gerhard Berger left off, Mario Theissen convinced the German manufacturer that it was in its best interests to form its own team.
Speaking at the launch of the F1.08 yesterday, marking the start of his team's third season as a manufacturer, Theissen said: "Since last year we are in a position to do this because our capacity exceeds what we need under the new regulations.
"On the other hand," he continued, "my view is that, at least from next year on, an independent team will not only buy the engine but rather the entire powertrain consisting of the engine, the KERS system including storage and the electronics. So it will become a bigger business and I think it makes sense to take this route. So if we are approached and its a good fit, I could imagine doing it," added the German.