BMW to start Own-Brand team?

[mindgam3]

Looks like Sauber could become a BMW team in the future

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=32774

[phantomfocus]

We have been hearing for a while that BMW has been interested in having more say at Williams. But I don't think they have allowed it. If BMW could buyout Sauber that would give them the complete control they are looking for. Not only that, but all the great assests that Sauber has built up. (i.e. their windtunnel) This would work nicely for Sauber who reportedly can't afford to run their tunnel as much as they would like.

The BMW director called it "spectulation". I say the pieces of the puzzle fit nicely.

Except what happens to Willams?

[mindgam3]

Guess they just find another engine supplier?

Not as if they've had BMW supplying them all their life ;)

[phantomfocus]

Obviously, but I would be interested to see which other big engine manufacturer they would go with, if any. They could bring in someone new, continue to get engines from BMW, or possibly get engines from Cosworth. They have recently lost their big fish in RED BULL to Ferrari.

[szumszer]

I could see him selling it, if the price is right and BMW is interested enough, a decent F1 team with testing facilities/shops is a hugh asset and worth a lot of money; and it would be nice to see a BMW owned team out there, it would improve competition like renault and toyota have this year, it took them a few years, but efforts are beginning to pay off ... what I really would like to see is VW group get into the mix, maybe as team Bugatti