BMW Not Ready to Supply Low Cost Engines

BMW will not supply low-cost engines next year, motorsport director Mario Theissen said today, further stating the proposed price of 10 million USD a year for engine supply would be unrealistic for his company.

Mercedes vice president Norbert Haug revealed two weeks ago that his company is prepared to supply other teams than partners McLaren with low cost engines, stating the price would be $10 million (USD) per season. Currently, factory engines are being purchased by Sauber (from Ferrari), Jordan and Minardi (both from Cosworth), and the rates are estimated at $25 million and $15 million respectively.

However, Theissen made it clear BMW will not be prepared to supply other teams than Williams next year and emphasized Haug's proposed rates were too low.

"We certainly won't do it next year," Theissen said, "because we have to increase resources, capacity and people. And that cannot be done in such a short time. Also, the figure currently in circulation, of $10 million per season, doesn't cover the costs, and we are not prepared to give engines away below our own cost.

"I would expect engine costs to come down a bit next year due to the one-engine rule, but the main impact [on costs] is testing. You have to do some testing, even for a second team. The team has to have the chance to do sufficient testing to adapt the car, and that takes a lot of engines - even under the new one engine per GP rule.

"Simply put, the $10 million figure wouldn't even be sufficient to cover the cost of engine parts."