24/06/2008
NEWS STORY
BMW team boss Mario Theissen has said that the German team is unlikely to confirm its 2009 line-up until the end of next month, at the earliest.
Following a difficult weekend in France, just two weeks after celebrations in Montreal, Theissen told Reuters, when asked about an announcement regarding the Munich outfit's plans: "It won't happen soon. Don't expect it in Hockenheim."
It is widely expected that the German team will face some stiff opposition when it comes to re-signing Canada winner Robert Kubica, with several teams thought to have the Pole o their shopping lists. Then again, speaking at the weekend, Kubica made it clear that he is in F1 to win and not in the sport for the money. With BMW building on its success year-by-year, the youngster might be better off staying put.
On the other hand, it has not been an easy season, thus far, for Nick Heidfeld, who has encountered all manner of problems, particularly in qualifying, and it could well be that the German team looks for some 'fresh blood'.
In the last couple of years, the German outfit has had a number of protégés slip through its fingers, most notably Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel and Timo Glock.