BMW In F1

BMW are an German car brand hailing Bavaria, they are proprietors of a vast model range, selling anything from superminis or 4×4s. They are considered as a prestigious marquee like most Germanic manufacturers and Audi Mercedes and VW rank among their closest rivals. BMW have a rich motorsport heritage, having a stake Touring car series around the world as well as single seater racing and engine provision for other teams.

BMW entered the realm of Formula One, the world’s most competitive racing series in 2003 as an engine supplier, immediately striking up an effective partnership, they had a temporaray deal with the chassis maker that was something akin to a car lease deal. With a couple of quality drivers in Montoya and R Scumachet at the helm, Williams were one of three teams able to fight for the title that year along with McLaren and Ferrari.

The next few seasons saw Williams and BMW going through some ups and downs, just like you may find ups and downs with a BMW contract hire plans. The team went through a number of Drivers on their way to fighting for the title including Mark Webber and Nick Heidfield but never quite launched a credible championship challenge.

In 2006 BMW broke away from Williams and formed their own team. Despite facing expected hardships in their initial year as a manufacturer team, the squad produced a sterling 2007 which Kubica piloted well to lead the championship at one point. A dire 2009 season that saw the squad slip to the back of the grid following money troubles coming off the back of poor car sales due to the recession, the team still exists in part as an element of the Sauber team, though this partnership is expected to end next year.