音频下载[点击右键另存为]
The BMW Sauber Formula One Team revealed this season's latest car back in January, but this will be the last such unveiling. BMW's quitting the sport at the end to the current season. BMW's CEO Norbert Reithofer told the news conference in Munich why.
"We will continue to be actively involved in motor sport and will concentrate on production-oriented motor sport and encouraging new talent."
BMW says its departure is part of a change of strategy, designed to reflect its move towards reducing carbon emissions. BMW bought the team from independent owner Peter Sauber in 2006. An injection of money and technical expertise helped it move up the grid. But there is no hiding the fact that BMW Sauber's having a poor season. After winning a race in 2008, the team languishes in eighth place out of ten in this year’s championship. Team principal Mario Theissen says he's disappointed by BMW's departure.
"From a purely sporting point of view, lots of things spoke for staying in Formula One. Within 3 years, we have managed to rise continually from the back of the midfield to the top."
BMW follows Japanese carmaker Honda who pulled out of Formula One just before the start of the season. But BMW says the economy wasn't the factor in its decision. The withdrawal comes as Formula One Teams battle motor sport’s governing body the FIA over control of the sport.
There is a month before the next grand prix in Valencia and like many in the team, BMW Sauber drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica must now spend that time looking for new jobs.
Joanna Partridge, Reuters.