Heidfeld walks hand in hand with BMW

By on

BMW and Nick Heidfeld will embark a joint future in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2006. The Munich automobile manufacturer has concluded a three-year contract with Heidfeld, the racing driver from Möchengladblach. This fills the first cockpit in the new team run by BMW.

BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen “For us, a new era in Formula 1 will begin on 1 January 2006 when BMW takes over the team operated by Peter Sauber. We are very pleased that Nick will be with us in what will undoubtedly be a difficult initial phase. He is not simply a fast and courageous driver, he is also an analytical and meticulous worker. Nick already knows the two sites in Munich and Hinwil, and is familiar with everybody involved.”

Heidfeld is still recovering that from a cycling accident near his home in Switzerland but he wanted to react on his new contract.
Nick Heidfeld “I’m really looking forward to the future. As far as I’m concerned, this represents the fulfilment of a big dream. I have a great deal of respect for the work carried out in Hinwil from 2001 to 2003. And for nearly a year now, I’ve experienced at first hand the commitment and resources BMW puts into its Formula 1 project. Naturally, I’m not expecting a miracle during the first season after a new start in 2006. But I’m confident that the new team will be successful over the long term.”

On 22 June 2005, BMW announced it would be running its own Formula One Team from 2006 after acquiring a majority holding in the Swiss Sauber Team, BMW has been racing in Formula One as partner of Williams F1 since the 2000 season. The team has now competed in 101 Grand Prix, achieved 10 victories and 17 pole positions. Second place in the Constructors' Championship for 2002 and 2003 provided the best season's result.

The Sauber Team has been operating in Formula One since 1993. The team became established as the most succesful private team when it took 4th place in the Constructors' Championship in 2001. BMW will not only retain the Hinwil site, it will expand the workforce from a current headcount of nearly 300 to some 400 employees. Around 300 people are working on the Formula One project at BMW Motorsport in Munich.

BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen “Overall, we will have a team numbering around 700. Expansion of the aerodynamic department in Hinwil has top priority. At present, it isn’t possible to fully exploit the opportunities offered by the first-class wind tunnel, because there are not the personnel to operate several shifts. We are gradually working towards using the facility round the clock.”