July 29 2009   Source: Bryan Joslin via BMW

BMW to Withdraw From Formula One After 2009 Season

BMW today announced that it would not participate in Formula One racing after completing the 2009 race season. The company cited the needed to redirect its resources toward "new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability." BMW's Chairman of the Board of Management, Nortbert Reithofer, said the decision is part of the company's strategic realignment, and dismissed the notion that the team's miserable performance this year was to blame.

"Premium [as a market segment] will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead," he continued. His statement would seem to imply that the very expensive pursuit of Formula One glory, viewed by many as a vanity activity, is at odds with a production car company that must deal with real-world demands for reduced consumption of resources and social responsibility.

BMW has not yet decided the fate of its development staff, which is based primarily in Hinwill (Bavaria) and partially in Munich. With a new focus on development, it's conceivable that some of the staff members will be redirected on other projects. Dr. Klaus Draeger, the board member responsible for development, stated that the company is "aware of the responsibility we shoulder and will inform the staff as soon as we can make a clear statement."

BMW will not withdraw from all racing endeavors, however. As performance is one of the brand's hallmarks, it must continue to develop vehicles that not only perform under racing conditions, but also excel. Therefore it will continue to develop vehicles for touring car and sports car racing, as well as its motorcycle racing efforts. The Motorsport program will also still include the Formula BMW open-wheel racing series, which develops and promotes young drivers.