BMW to quit Formula One at end of 2009

BMW rocked Formula One on Wednesday by announcing their exit as a team and engine supplier at the end of 2009.

The Munich carmaker's abrupt decision, after a dismal season on the track and with the industry in crisis, leaves the glamour sport with just four manufacturers -- Fiat-owned Ferrari, McLaren's partners Mercedes, Renault and Toyota.

However, three new teams are due to enter next year with others on standby.


Team boss Mario Theissen told reporters that the natural scenario would be for a partner to take over the team that BMW bought from its Swiss founder Peter Sauber in 2005.


BMW's exit is the first prominent withdrawal from the series since Honda quit in December due to tough business conditions.


BMW's decision, taken at a board meeting only on Tuesday, came just as the teams were on the verge of signing a new commercial agreement that would have committed them to at least the end of 2012.

BMW have not supplied engines to any other team and Draeger said they would not do that in future either. He could not rule out redundancies.


Reuters