BMW Takeover Bad for Williams

BMW today confirmed their takeover of the Sauber Formula one team.

The German company announced at a Munich press conference that they have moved in on Peter Sauber's team and will rename it BMW.

Today's news is a serious blow for Williams, who have enjoyed an exclusive partnership with BMW since 2000.

Cracks had begun to show in their relationship, with Williams director of engineering Patrick Head launching a scathing attack on BMW director of motor sport Mario Theissen before the Canadian grand prix in retaliation for criticism of his team from the German company.

Theissen, who is describing the investment as "a co-operation", revealed he had no intention of taking over Sauber before talks over an engine supply began.

He said: "It was a long-term process. Since last season we set down and considered what we could do. Success can only be achieved with a fully-integrated team.

"At the beginning of year we started talks with Sauber, at the time we were talking about engine supply next year.

"We found common ground. We believe Sauber offers a good basis and foundation to further develop the engines. We have decided to co-operate with Sauber as BMW.

"We are going to be in charge of the entire package. It will be a fully-integrated team, a team distributed among two locations, BMW in Munich and we will not only preserve the Hinwil location but we will also expand it."

The exact name of the new team has yet to be confirmed but it will be rebranded to include the BMW name, while Sauber's successor as team boss will be announced shortly.