Peter Sauber chose this time to introduce fresh blood into Formula One, bringing Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa into the team. Sauber later recommended Robert Kubica to the powers-that-be at BMW.
In 2005, and now in his early sixties, Peter Sauber decided to explore ways of passing on his life's work into good hands. An offer from BMW appeared to tick the right boxes. The Munich-based manufacturer, who had been working in F1 with Williams since 2000, was keen to line up with its own works team. On 22nd June 2005 BMW announced that it had acquired a majority stake in the Swiss team.
First victory in Formula 1
2008 - the third year of the BMW Sauber F1 Team - was the next high point in Sauber's history. The development of the team in Hinwil was now complete and the workforce had grown to over 400. The team set itself the goal for the year of recording their maiden victory. That first win duly arrived in the form of a one-two, Kubica leading Nick Heidfeld across the line in Canada. The BMW Sauber F1 Team notched up a total of 11 podium finishes in 2008. Kubica clinched the team's first pole position in Bahrain and Heidfeld added its first two fastest race laps to the honours board. The team finished the season in third place in the World Championship with 135 points.
A difficult start to 2009 was followed on 29th July by a piece of news that sent shockwaves through the team: at a press conference in Munich BMW announced that it was withdrawing from Formula One at the end of the season. The company bowed out of F1 with 36 points and sixth place in the World Championship in its final season.
The next press conference took place on 27th November 2009, this time in Hinwil. Peter Sauber had reached agreement with BMW and bought the team back from the carmaker. However, the joy was tinged with sadness. Prior to the agreement BMW had decided to reduce the size of the team, and the number of employees was cut from 388 to 260. It was with this slimmed-down workforce that the Hinwil-based team prepared for the 2010 season, powered by engines supplied by Ferrari and with drivers Kamui Kobayashi and Pedro de la Rosa at the wheel.
In 2005, and now in his early sixties, Peter Sauber decided to explore ways of passing on his life's work into good hands. An offer from BMW appeared to tick the right boxes. The Munich-based manufacturer, who had been working in F1 with Williams since 2000, was keen to line up with its own works team. On 22nd June 2005 BMW announced that it had acquired a majority stake in the Swiss team.
First victory in Formula 1
2008 - the third year of the BMW Sauber F1 Team - was the next high point in Sauber's history. The development of the team in Hinwil was now complete and the workforce had grown to over 400. The team set itself the goal for the year of recording their maiden victory. That first win duly arrived in the form of a one-two, Kubica leading Nick Heidfeld across the line in Canada. The BMW Sauber F1 Team notched up a total of 11 podium finishes in 2008. Kubica clinched the team's first pole position in Bahrain and Heidfeld added its first two fastest race laps to the honours board. The team finished the season in third place in the World Championship with 135 points.
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| Photo: Sauber |
A difficult start to 2009 was followed on 29th July by a piece of news that sent shockwaves through the team: at a press conference in Munich BMW announced that it was withdrawing from Formula One at the end of the season. The company bowed out of F1 with 36 points and sixth place in the World Championship in its final season.
The next press conference took place on 27th November 2009, this time in Hinwil. Peter Sauber had reached agreement with BMW and bought the team back from the carmaker. However, the joy was tinged with sadness. Prior to the agreement BMW had decided to reduce the size of the team, and the number of employees was cut from 388 to 260. It was with this slimmed-down workforce that the Hinwil-based team prepared for the 2010 season, powered by engines supplied by Ferrari and with drivers Kamui Kobayashi and Pedro de la Rosa at the wheel.