Would BMW return to F1 with the new rules for the engine ??

[J.C.]

So just wondering, with Formula 1 new engine rules set to be enforce around the 2014 season. Could BMW return to Formula 1 as a engine supplier?

[ECW Dan Selby]

That's a somewhat misleading headline if i've ever read one..!

Selby

[MJones94]

Originally Posted by ECW Dan Selby

That's a somewhat misleading headline if i've ever read one..!

Selby

Quite right! I thought this thread would have substance and structure based on facts, but no.

[ECW Dan Selby]

Nothing wrong with asking a theoretical question, but perhaps 'Do you see BMW returning to F1?' would be a more apt title.

Selby

[BertMk2]

Quite simply - "No". If BMW hadn't committed to the DTM then maybe, but currently I can't see any reason they'd return to F1. If they do anything else then maybe WTCC again but I can't see anything on the scale of F1 happening.

[Marbot]

After doing a quick search on Google, the answer seems to be a very definite 'NO'.

[Mike E]

I believe that when they pulled out of F1 they said they wanted to concentrate on racing with production car connections, so various 3-series models in WTCC, GT, DTM.

[S14]

Originally Posted by Mike E

I believe that when they pulled out of F1 they said they wanted to concentrate on racing with production car connections, so various 3-series models in WTCC, GT, DTM.

So if someone convinces DTM to switch to 1.6 Turbo V6s...

As I understand it, F1 drivetrains will be legal at Le Mans, so who knows, maybe building an engine for both prototypes and formula cars would be a more acceptable or interesting prospect. They could even brand it under the new "i" division, since it'd be a hybrid.

[Bononi]

Originally Posted by J.C.

So just wondering, with Formula 1 new engine rules set to be enforce around the 2014 season. Could BMW return to Formula 1 as a engine supplier?

I'm sorry but the title should be different.

[formerf1champ]

I hope not! BMW's last excursion into F1 was a graphic example of everthing bad about maufacturer participation in F1.

[knowyourenemy]

i dont see them returning to be honest, i think their focus as per the posts above is DTM, GT etc..

After the Deltawing project at Le Mans with the turbo charged Juke engine - whats peoples thoughts on Nissan joining F1 at some point?

[321Go]

Thread mine.

Originally Posted by BertMk2

Quite simply - "No".

Well, you might just be surprised. There's a good chance you might see a round badge with the colours of the Bavarian flag on the grid in 2016.

[Paradise City]

To get a sense of where a company is at with its motorsport programs you need to get an idea of the sentiments of the hierarchy. Obviously from statements they actually make but also whether or not a given executive has favoured motorsport in his previous positions. All I remember from BMW is that they have made a definitive decision to focus mainly on production racing and I expect that to continue for the foreseeable future.

[bella]

i seem to recall hearing a while back when they were in f1 last that they asked their customers which sports were most important to them. i think f1 was 3rd or 4th, and golf was top. nuff sed.

as a company, i agree with paradise city - they're not really all that into f1. it doesn't really give you a marketing edge like it used to either. i think to get that you have to be a renault and be involved at every single level so your name really is synony... it goes hand in hand with motorsport.

[ace007]

In my view, it is more wishful thinking from Bernie at this stage. Trying to call on other manufacturers to think F1 and cover the story cooking at Renault Sport...

But with Porsche coming back in prototypes, I wouldn't be surprised to see them expand in that directions. So once Honda makes their F1 return, who knows, they might need to reinforce their sport division presence on track...

[chillibowl]

Originally Posted by Paradise City

To get a sense of where a company is at with its motorsport programs you need to get an idea of the sentiments of the hierarchy. Obviously from statements they actually make but also whether or not a given executive has favoured motorsport in his previous positions. All I remember from BMW is that they have made a definitive decision to focus mainly on production racing and I expect that to continue for the foreseeable future.

but that also cuts both ways. i dont know how much turnover has occurred in their boardroom over the last 10 years but their ending of the Williams deal and their purchase and then subsequent sale of Sauber...at the very least i dont think one can rule rule out the possibility that there may still be some board members who feel like F1 is a viable route.

Saward has an article on it today where he quotes a larger part of the source where this recent runmour came from.

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2013/...d-f1/#comments

i thought this part was interesting:

“The one other element that may influence the BMW board is the arrival in January of Steven Althaus as the company’s new Director of Brand Management. Prior to joining BMW Althaus was a key player at Allianz, rising to be head of global brand management and strategic partnerships. Althaus knows all about the value of Formula 1 having been heavily involved with Allianz’s F1 activities, which have been running since 2000.”

personally i would like to see them back. obviously there have been some immense failures with other manus (although Toytoa is the bigger fail imo) but i would prefer more manu involvement as opposed to teams owned by investment companies. coming back as an engine supplier would be a good first step and the new rules may give them enough cover to backtrack from their earlier decision to leave. hope it happens anyways.

[Moneyseeker]

Originally Posted by knowyourenemy

i dont see them returning to be honest, i think their focus as per the posts above is DTM, GT etc..

After the Deltawing project at Le Mans with the turbo charged Juke engine - whats peoples thoughts on Nissan joining F1 at some point?

Unlikely, Nissan are positioning their premium brand (Infiniti) in F1 and already have sister brand Renault there.

[Marbot]

The engine manufacturers that are currently in F1 can put various badges on their engines, if necessary. BMW are somewhat limited in that respect, although they do have some of their mass production petrol engine designs being used in cars such as Citroen's, for example.