Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

BMW rules out F1 return

BMW's CEO has stated that his company would not be interested in returning to Formula 1.

The German manufacturer which enjoyed a fruitful association with Brabham in the 1980s, powered Williams and Sauber from 2000 to 2009 before leaving F1 to focus its motorsport efforts on the German DTM series in 2012.

BMW won the series in 2012 and 2014 but speculation emerged recently regarding a possible return of the manufacturer to the pinnacle of motor racing with the aim of challenging the achievements of arch rival Mercedes.

Newly appointed BMW CEO Harald Krüger has now put that prospect to rest: "Formula 1 is not an option for us. It simply does not fit with our long-term strategy," Krüger said at the Frankfurt auto show this week.

The manager would not rule out an involvement at Le Mans however, and acknowledged the merits of Formula E, but in the interim BMW remains committed to the DTM.

"Motorsport remains part of BMW's core brand, and the DTM series is important to us."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.