bmw says no to drugs! (naw to shares in williams)

[Talentless]

BMW reject Williams
(Filed: 17/10/2002)


BMW will not buy into the Williams F1 team following suggestions from owner Frank Williams.

The German engine suppliers want more technical input into the team but have rejected the chance to buy into the outfit.

BMW's F1 chief Gerhard Berger told Autosport the company were not interested in taking a stake in the team.

Berger said: "It's not on the list for discussion.

"BMW wants to be more involved in technical matters."

Williams had said: "It would be ideal for us if BMW wanted to buy shares.

"This would give Williams F1 greater security and make it easier for us to make plans."


williams make a fine investment

 

[Talentless]

longer article http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2336307.stm

 

[GilesGuthrie]

This stems from a rumour that BMW actually had bought shares in the team. Frank Williams issued a statement saying that it wasn't true, but that it would be OK if BMW wanted to invest.

So basically both BMW and Williams are denying the initial rumour.

 

[Race Idiot]

This seems to be happening allot recently, with Stewart into Jaguar and Beneton into Renault.

Several companies own teams outright - Ferrari (Fiat), Toyota, Jaguar (Ford) and Renault.

I think eventually we will have no teams that are separate with manufacturers, so I think this will happen eventually.

 

[vat_man]

It seems to be a cyclical thing, but with the wider coverage of F1 I guess it's perceived as a good stage to get the name out in front of people.

Ford have been involved in the sport at various levels for years, and I think when Stewart was initially set-up there was so much Ford money in there that the team was seen as a pseudo-Ford factory team.

Both BMW and Renault have had various levels of involvement over the last 20 years - indeed, Renault had their own team that nearly took the championship with Prost in '83.

Toyota's involvement had been rumoured for many years, and I think it's great they've gotten involved with a full factory team.

My only concern is that if something untoward happens the manufacturers may elect to just walk away from the sport - what happens then? What if Toyota and Renault walk away from the sport - would they sell their teams and knowledge, or would we have four vacant spots on the grid the following year?

 

[Race Idiot]

That happened last two years in the BTCC, god knows how many teams left, renault, ford and honda. 2000 season was not even worth watching. God knows what would happen if the same thing happened in the F1?

 

[Pupik]

That's why many have been less than thrilled at total manufacturer involvement in F1, many are afraid that a couple of losing seasons mean that the team goes away.

But, motor racing was brand-supported since it's early days, and look what happens when why discontinue support in the form of engines only; some one else steps in and provides support.

Besides, who else can afford to go racing in F1? Only a wealthy few, so manufacturers have to keep F1 afloat in this manner. Nobody else would see as a great a return on their investment.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

Well there are signs that the FIA are moving on this issue, especially with the scrapping of the $50m bond required to enter F1.