BMW Motorsport Philosophy.

For more than 50 years, BMW has been closely linked with the world of motor racing. In numerous series, held on all the continents, racing drivers have proven in cars and on motorbikes, manufactured by BMW, that the connection of BMW and motor racing is both a successful and natural one.

Since the early days of the company, the use of innovative technology has been a major part of the BMW philosophy.

The record books are filled with countless motor racing successes gained in Formula One, touring car racing, sports car racing and motorbike racing.

Formula One in particular underlines the technological and sporting core competence of the BMW brand. The in-house design and construction of the engine represents the basis for the two-way technology transfer between Formula One and the production lines. The World Championship title secured by Nelson Piquet back in 1983, just one year after the start of BMW’s involvement, represents an impressive reference for the engine competence of BMW.

When BMW made its Formula One comeback in 2000, after a twelve-year break, the Bavarian brand, together with its partner, WilliamsF1, succeeded in opening a new chapter in motor racing history. At the first attempt, the team finished third in the Constructors’ Championship, thus making the most successful Formula One debut of an engine manufacturer in 33 years.

Since 2006, BMW has forged a new path in the pinnacle of motor racing: Following the purchase of the majority share of the Swiss team Sauber, the BMW Sauber F1 Team contested its maiden season in the Formula One World Championship. BMW is responsible for the entire package with all its components such as chassis, tyres and drivers. It is the first time in the company’s history that BMW has taken its Formula One involvement completely in its own hands. In its debut season, the BMW Sauber F1 Team scored 36 points, thus securing fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship. In 2007, the BMW Sauber F1 Team established itself as the third force in Formula One. The driving pair of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica picked up points in every race. The team from Hinwil and Munich end the season in second place in the World Championship, with 101 points. On 8th June 2008, Robert Kubica celebrates the team's maiden race win in Montreal. Nick Heidfeld makes it a one-two by finishing runner-up.

In the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), touring car drivers battle it out for the World Championship title. In 2005, the FIA WTCC superseded the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), which had been held successfully since 2001. BMW won the manufacturers’ title twice in this series, and it wasn’t long before success came its way at World Championship level: Andy Priaulx won the Drivers’ Championship title three times in a row between 2005 and 2007, while BMW also claimed top spot in the battle for the manufacturers’ crown in each of these years.

Formula BMW represents the leading global category for single-seater racing newcomers. Here, young guns from 15 years of age are provided with the opportunity of contesting automobile races with the state-of-the-art FB02 car. Part of the series is an extensive coaching and education programme and the support of promising young drivers. Two of the prominent graduates of this talent factory are former BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers Sebastian Vettel and Timo Glock.

When it comes to endurance racing, BMW also is regarded as a guarantee for success: in 1999, the marque won the legendary Le Mans 24-Hour race with its BMW V12 LMR. Furthermore, BMW racing cars claimed victory 18 times in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and 21 times in the classic Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours.