Berger to retire from BMW post

Berger is in Melbourne for the opening race of the new season but it is understood that he will not be seen at that many events throughout the season as he winds down his operational involvement.

"This decision was far from easy for me," admitted the 43-year-old. "The job means a great deal to me, especially as I have a deep-rooted and special relationship with the company. My relations with the decision-makers have been excellent, and working together with Mario Thiessen as a directing duo has not only functioned extremely well but has also been very successful. Our target was to build up a powerful team and we managed to do that.

"But, it's a very time and labour-intensive job and demands the life of a vagabond, such as I've now been living since my early motor racing days in 1979. For the future I would simply like more time for my private life, for my family and myself."

Mario Thiessen paid tribute to Berger's contribution, explaining that his "considerable experience, competence and circumspection" has played a crucial role in BMW's recent successes.

Dr Burkhard Goschel, the BMW board member responsible for development and purchasing, has said that the company will not be appointing a successor to Berger's post.