The BMW Sauber F1 team will continue to develop both its current challenger, the F1.09, and next year’s car, in a bid to attract an investor to the team.
BMW announced last month that it will pull out of Formula One at the end of the year due to the costs of competing in the sport, and a lack of results in 2009.
However, BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has confirmed that the team will continue to develop its 2010 challenger, while continuing to improve the competitiveness of the F1.09.
“On the future, obviously we are looking for investors to take over and continue with the team and as long as we are doing so, we will continue with next year s car, F1 10, so the development programme is ongoing as planned,” confirmed Theissen.
“We are working on a solution for the team. The top priority is to find an investor to step in and take over the team and continue. As a consequence of this, the team has applied for an entry for next year, in time, last Monday. Now we are working and trying to come to a solution.”
“It is clear that BMW does not want to be involved any further. Apart from that any solution is possible.”
For the European Grand Prix in Valencia this weekend the team have brought a significant upgrade package to the car and it was received positively by the drivers, with Robert Kubica pacing seventh quickest in the second practice session on Friday.
Theissen confirmed: “We have brought an upgrade package here to Valencia. Two major issues: one is aero, including a new diffuser, and the other one is a lightweight chassis.”
“It didn t look bad today. The drivers especially think it is a significant step forward. I hope we can turn that into results tomorrow and on Sunday.”
