Here's something to think about...

Amar7605 · 31 May 2004, 16:13 (Ref:989372)

During the SPEED coverage of the European Grand Prix, it was said that the engine manufactuers agreed in principle (which basically means nothing yet) to adopt a V8 engine in the next couple of years. However, BMW is adamently opposed to it.

Now, considering that Champ Cars want to adopt V10 engines in the next couple of years, wouldn't it make sense for BMW to come into the series? The North American market is huge for BMW, Champ Cars basically cater to white-collar people who can afford BMWs, and they just started the Formula BMW series here.

Doesn't it look like that perhaps - and understand that this is ALL SPECULATION - maybe BMW is preparing to leave F1 for something else?:confused:

mountainstar · 31 May 2004, 17:31 (Ref:989425)

BMW is signed up though 2009 with Williams, so regardless of what the situation is in F1, I don't think it will have any bearing on what BMW would do in NA.

Kicking-back · 31 May 2004, 18:09 (Ref:989454)

I think you're dreaming there, I'm afraid.

camcartfan · 31 May 2004, 23:20 (Ref:989728)

Way off line.

Amar7605 · 1 Jun 2004, 08:19 (Ref:989962)

Hey I agree with all of you guys. It is weird and I doubt that it'll happen too. The thing is that if there is no basis for it, why would the SPEED announcers mention it?

BootsOntheSide · 1 Jun 2004, 10:50 (Ref:990117)

Unless their F1 performance really declines, it seems unlikely. Other than VW/Audi, all of the world's top manufactuers are in F1 right now, and BMW wouldn't want to eb teh first to leave, not while Mercedes are there in particualr. It's a shame that so many companies have scaled back their efforts in other championships ot focus on F1, and I think it's a mistake for some.

N I Tram · 1 Jun 2004, 12:10 (Ref:990230)

This is a ridiculous dream. BMW is committed to F1 and doing very well out of it. If they want to market to the US, CART doesn't make sense, and Canada and Mexico aren't big markets. I'm not sure which companies would consider buildoing CART engines.

Purist · 1 Jun 2004, 13:43 (Ref:990373)

Well, Porsche is big in motorsports, but they are most definitely not in F1.

Williams/BMW is not doing so well this year. Ferrari has pulled aaway from everyone. Renault has the #2 slot, and BAR and Toyota have come up to perhaps #3, BAR particularly. Basically, Williams has without a doubt slipped from the #2 slot.

Snrub · 1 Jun 2004, 15:30 (Ref:990464)

While the suggestion is speculative, remember that Honda and Toyota left CART over regulations, etc. The point is that these sorts of events can quickly sour relationships. Maybe it will turn into an opportunity for CART.

KC · 1 Jun 2004, 17:28 (Ref:990567)

I can't see BMW leaving F1 unless they suddenly decide that it has become a money pit for them. Its a difficult situation. I'd like to see competition between manufacturers, but it can also force a company like Ford to re-analyze their involvement. If it starts to cost them too much money based on the return, they could bolt. There has to be pretty strict limits on engine technology or we could see a repeat of the arms race that went on between Honda and Toyota in CART and what is going on even now in the IRL. Soon the tail will start wagging the dog and then one will end up quitting over it and drag the entire series down.

BTW, welcome Purist. Glad to find another midwesterner here at the forums. I'm located about 3 hours from you in Tulsa, OK.