Theissen hands over to Marquardt

While BMW is organizing a new development in its sporting disciplines, including its long-awaited return to DTM, Mario Theissen laisse sa place de directeur sportif à Jens Marquardt, en provenance de Toyota.

Jens Marquardt, aged 43, managed the Cologne factory for the Japanese manufacturer for more than ten years. Before joining Toyota, Jens Marquardt was in charge of engine development for F1 and CART within Ilmor Engineering. When he arrived at the Japanese manufacturer in 2000, the German started by working in the engine department of the F1 program, before becoming general manager.

If no replacement has been announced for the moment, Yoshiaki Kinoshita, president of Toyota Motorsport GmbH, assures that his departure was known for a long time. “TMG has been aware of Jens' decision for some time. Even if we regret his departure, we understand his choice and we wish him the best for the future. »

The manager will therefore arrive at the Bavarian manufacturer on January 1, 2011. But Mario Theissen will however accompany him in taking up his duties for the first six months. We planned and prepared for this change very carefully,” explained Mario Theissen. “With the readjustment of BMW Motorsport and the decision to return to DTM, it is the best time to put the leadership of BMW Motorsport in new hands. »

Mario Theissen arrived at BMW in 1977, where he held the position of development engineer. After holding various positions in the development of the manufacturer?s propeller engines, the engineer left to work at the BMW Innovation Centers located in Munich. He has held the position of sports director since 1999.