After Honda, Bernie Ecclestone mentions a BMW return
In the columns of the London economic newspaper City A.M., Bernie Ecclestone considers it likely that BMW will return as a Formula 1 engine supplier, even as Honda has just announced its comeback with McLaren starting in 2015.
By formalizing its return to Formula 1 from 2015, as McLaren’s engine supplier, Honda confirmed that the new engine regulations, introduced from the next season, were capable of encouraging automotive manufacturers to reinvest in Formula 1.
Thus, after the rumor threw the name of Toyota into the mix for a return under the name of Lexus, it’s Bernie Ecclestone’s turn (editor’s note: the head of Formula 1) to stir the pot in the paddock by mentioning the return of another automobile manufacturer that recently left Formula 1 after a mixed performance as a full-fledged constructor: “I would be surprised if we didn’t see BMW again,” the Briton said in the columns of City A.M., a London economic daily.
As the engine supplier for Brabham during the glorious turbo era of the 1980s, BMW returned to Formula 1 in 2000 as Williams’ engine supplier before acquiring the Sauber team in 2005 for its first genuine attempt as a full-fledged constructor, after having fielded cars in the German Grand Prix of 1952 and 1953. Despite an investment estimated at over 500 million pounds—nearly 600 million euros—the Bavarian manufacturer withdrew in 2009 with a rather poor record, having secured only one Grand Prix victory, at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.
In view of the new regulations, of which he is not a fervent supporter, Bernie Ecclestone believes that the manufacturer currently involved in DTM or American Le Mans Series could consider the possibility of returning to Formula 1: « I think they could come back. What they spent [in Formula 1] was not significant compared to what was being done at the time. A return would make sense for them. »
It remains to be seen whether the statements of the former owner of the Brabham team are a scoop or more of a wishful thinking. Having never hidden his concerns about the V6 Turbo, the Briton undoubtedly hopes that this new engine will have the merit of attracting a large number of manufacturers: « Whether we like it or not, this engine is a reality. We have to deal with it and keep our fingers crossed. »
