Sauber very critical of BMW

If the Hinwil team was unable to sign the Concorde Agreement on time, it was, according to Peter Sauber, the responsibility of BMW, which proposed too high conditions for the takeover of the team.

Published on 06/08/2009 à 17:24

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Peter Sauber, owner of 20% of the BMW-Sauber team, is not kind to the German manufacturer. After reselling the stable - which he founded and started in Formula 1 in 1993 - at BMW four years ago, Peter Sauber was nevertheless ready to buy the structure. But the negotiations failed, the solution was not found and the future of the team is not assured. According to Peter Sauber, BMW is responsible for this situation.

« After the announcement of BMW's withdrawal at the end of the 2009 season, I tried to launch a buyout and save the team, confides the Swiss to Autosport. However, the negotiations with BMW failed because the demands were simply far too high for me. Consequently, I was not able to sign the Concorde Agreement, which guarantees the payment of several millions and which would have ensured the future of the team. »

Peter Sauber, very angry with BMW, regrets the attitude of the German manufacturer. “ I am extremely disappointed and inconsolable. For me, this day is the bitterest of my entire career, in 40 years in motorsport. It is also a serious setback for the team. » Despite everything, the man who retained the role of advisor at BMW-Sauber hopes that a solution can be found in the weeks to come. “ Other avenues must be explored. The responsibility lies with BMW. »