BMW in F1 for the long term

The company announced in June last year they had taken over the Sauber squad to race under its own name for the first time in its history.

BMW, who unveiled their new car today, had already competed as an engine supplier both in the 80s and then again when they returned to the sport in 2000 with the Williams team.

This season, however, BMW will go one step further, and Goeschel believes the German carmaker's decision to race under its own name was the right way to go.

"This project represents a strong, long-term commitment to Formula One on BMW's part," said Goeschel. "For the BMW Group, Formula One acts as a high-tech laboratory and technology accelerator. This synergistic effect has already had a very positive impact in our six years as an engine partner.

"But you can't win races with an engine alone, which is why we wanted to be involved in all the success factors. In keeping with that, we have now taken on overall responsibility. Formula One seems tailor-made for BMW's brand values, and there's no other sporting event that generates so much attention on such a regular basis worldwide.

"In 2006 we will primarily be building up experience. In 2005 Sauber came eighth in the Constructors' World Championship. That is our starting point, and I can see plenty of upside potential."

BMW will recruit more than 100 new staff to join the Hinwil factory in Switzerland. Sauber's old factory is already being expanded, with the work expected to be completed by the end of 2007.

"To set up a new team is a huge challenge," said BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen. "Our concept includes boosting staff numbers, expanding the facility in Hinwil, an intensive development programme and the networking of all activities in Munich and Hinwil.

"The division of labour is as follows: Munich is in charge of the powertrain and electronics, Hinwil is responsible for the chassis and race deployment.

"The 2006 season will be a year of development. That also applies to the technical package, whose concept was already largely established in Munich and Hinwil before the takeover. In 2006 we aim to grow together and maximise our potential."