Apparently BMW have said they will stay in F1 after their current contract expires but have not confirmed whether this will be with Williams.

I wonder have they another team in mind?

Isn't there talk of a breakaway from Ecclestone??  I believe BMW and Chrysler-Damler (who own Mercedes) were at the forefront of such a thing?  It would be interesting to see what happens in the near future! 

Personally, I would like to see an end to TC, DSC, Launch control etc.  I would prefer to see them actually race against eachother, then we would see which drivers can really drive!

Yeah seems there’s a lot of talk at present about a breakaway series led by the main manufactures who want a larger say in the running of the sport. Personally i think it's a bad thing.. as can been seen by the state of GT racing once the manufactures left...

As far as BMW and Williams go it seems to be an issue over BMW involvement in the construction of the car that’s the problem. Williams understandably are reluctant to let BMW have a greater influence on what is still their car. While from BMW's point of view they are pouring millions into developing (arguably) the best engine in the field while the Williams chassis isn't as constantly competitive as it's main rivals. They have had an advantage in terms of BHP for a number of years however they haven’t once converted this into a winning season it’s not terminal but still I suspect BMW were expecting more.  This will shake itself out over the next couple of months and personally I’d expect to see BMW-Williams Cars beyond 2004 (when their current deal expires)

Maybe..

The problem as i see it with them entering as a constructor is the length of time it would take to produce a competative car. Sure they will have a head start on many simply because they have been building F1 engines for several years now. Only thing is having a good engine doesn't always mean your gonna win. Take Jaguar for example backing of possibly the largest motor company on the planet and despite a recent change in form have had 3 years in the back half of the grid.

They are lacking the aerodynamic knowledge and production experiance to build a competative F1 car. Sure it could be accquired and over time there is no doubt that BMW would run at the front of the field.

But .. This would involve a massive investment of capital in facilities and equipment which would in all likelyhood not offer a competative car for a number of years. Toyota have a 5 year plan.. like wise Renault and BAR (who may as well be badged honda). Or they could thrash out a deal with williams and continue to challenge for race wins.. If not the world championship.

Quote: Originally posted by micky_h on 30-May-2003

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BMW as a constructor maybe?

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Toyota, who I believe are the biggest car manufacturer in the world, note NOT BEST!  Spent millions developing a car, they even registered for a season, the year before they actually raced, and payed a huge fine for not taking part in the GP's so they could actually test their cars along side the other manufacturers, and look what happened to them!  F1 is a very fickle business, but having said that, the fact that Williams' won @ the weekend, breaking an 18 year hoo-doo, will help BMW to deiced i'm sure! 

Also has anyone else noticed this subtle "slip"  McLaren Mercedes, BAR Honda and BMW Williams?? Spot the "odd one out"??

Well BMW are the title sponsor of the williams team as well as the engine supplier...

Remember when you see Mclaren it's often written as

West Mclaren Mercedes

As West are or at least were the title sponsor.. Not unusual to have the sponsors name in front..

Althought it does demonstrate the clear commitment they have to Williams.

Yup and this means that williams are to be given greater access to BMW technical staff and equipment for chasis development also...

So ... chances of BMW williams winning the constructers championship in 2004?

Could do it in 2003 the way their starting to pick up the points :)

Amazed to hear during the commentry of the last race that the Beemer lumps reputed to be putting out 915-920 horsepower.

Flakey memory but didn't they produce the most powerful engine ever in F1 during the turbo era? ,seem to recall a story where it ran the needle off the scale on the dyno at something like 1300 hp,

 and the most powerful on the grid before the end of thier first full season on their partnership with Williams?

Something that was mentioned on Irish TV today about the Williams team was that it was going to be sponsored by Budweiser and this would be announced at the next race () and is supposed to be worth in the region £50 million. Will this extra money make them even more dominant?

Meanwhile I see that McLaren Merc's David Coulthard is still whinging that he didn't get to finish the European Grand Prix because everyone is out to get him!

It now looks as if Williams BMW have a very strong hold on both the drivers and constructors championship.

With four races left and Ralf / Juan on 53 & 65 points respectively against M. Schumacher's 71 and 118 against 120 points for BMW / Ferrari the years result could look tight. However, as the last races will be on high temp tracks it will stand for the Michelin shod cars including BMW.

It probably could have been sewn up quicker if Ralf didn't take out a quarter of the grid yesterday! Just looking at an http://www.paddypower.com/bet?action=show_type_by_main_market&category=SPORTS&ev_class_id=8&id=3535 - Irish Bookies rates and there is not much difference between MS and JPM now.

Given that JPM seems to be brave enough to try it himself we may get to see MS run off the track

No chance of JPM and MS trying to run one another off. The BMW-Williams will be too far ahead for it to happen. (sorry Ralf, you will have to be tail gunner again)

Still can't get over the 65sec advantage JPM had last weekend. Stunning.