BMW aims to improve car to lure buyer

Mario Theissen says BMW Sauber will continue to do everything it can to improve its performance between now and the end of the season as he believes it will be the best way of showcasing the squad’s talents to a prospective buyer.

BMW shocked the Formula 1 world at the start of the sport’s month-long summer break by announcing that owing to a “strategic realignment” it would pull out at the end of the current campaign after just four seasons as a team owner.

While initial talks over a rescue deal with team founder Peter Sauber collapsed last week, Theissen says BMW continues to search for a new owner for the Hinwil-based operation as the team prepares to return to the track for the first time since the announcement at next weekend’s European Grand Prix.

Although disappointed the squad in its current guise now won’t have the chance to make up for its dismal 2009 form next year, Theissen says BMW is committed to going out on a higher note and says its previously scheduled upgrades for the F1.09 will still be introduced as planned.

“Clearly we’re all disappointed about the decision to withdraw from Formula 1,” the German said.

“The team had established itself at the top in just three years and we would love to have shown that the poor results we’ve had this season were just a blip.

“Now our work is focusing on the next few months.

“While efforts are continuing behind the scenes to find a solution for the team, everybody is aware that putting in good performances at the circuits is the best way to advertise their abilities.

“We want to get back into the fast lane, and so the development packages for Valencia and Singapore will be put into practice as planned.”

Although as part of F1’s cost-cutting measures teams had to have mandatory factory shut downs for two weeks following Hungary, technical chief Willy Rampf says a significant aero update will still come on line for Valencia.

“Despite the two-week summer break, during which the factory in Hinwil was closed, we will bring a development package to Valencia headed by numerous aerodynamic parts,” he said.

Having scored just eight points in a wretched campaign, BMW will hope its Valencia upgrade returns it to the points for the first time since the Turkish Grand Prix in June.

However, speaking at the previous round in Hungary, Theissen said it was really hoping to make a breakthrough with the F1.09 when it introduced a massive upgrade for the Singapore night race in late September.

Source: ITV