Sauber Mercedes
Were BMWs Six Years In F1 A Success?
BMW are an German car brand hailing Bavaria, they are proprietors of a vast model range, selling anything from superminis or 4x4s. They are considered a premium brand, not least because of their Germanic roots and are in direct competition with native rivals Audi and Mercedes. BMW have a rich motorsport heritage, having a stake Touring car series around the world as well as single seater racing and engine provision for other teams.
BMW entered the realm of Formula One, the world’s most competitive racing series in 2003 as an engine supplier, immediately striking up an effective partnership, they had a temporaray deal with the chassis maker that was something akin to a Contract hire. With a couple of quality drivers in Montoya and R Scumachet at the helm, Williams were one of three teams able to fight for the title that year along with McLaren and Ferrari.
The next few seasons saw Williams and BMW going through some ups and downs, just like you may find ups and downs with a BMW contract hire plans. The team tried a number of design philosophies and driver lineups on their way to mounting title challenges including a Walrus type nose, they never quite managed to achieve their goal however.
In 2006 BMW broke away from Williams and formed their own team. Despite facing expected hardships in their initial year as a manufacturer team, the squad produced a sterling 2007 which Kubica piloted well to lead the championship at one point. A poor 2009 season caused the team to pull out of the sport in 2010 following financial difficulties but they now supply engines to the Sauber team who operate under the BMW name despite the fact that they have minimal involvement in the team aside from the name plastered across the side of the car.
Le Mans 1989 – Sauber-Mercedes C9 #63