Sauber eyes switch to BMW engines

According to this week's Autosport Magazine, Sauber may get a customer supply of BMW engines next year. The deal would mark the end of Sauber’s relationship with Ferrari, which started back in 1997. It would also reduce Ferrari’s political influence over F1. Peter Sauber said: “Our current two-year engine contract with Ferrari will run out at the end of 2005, which will be the ninth year of co-operation. The partnership between Sauber Petronas and Ferrari has been, and still is, excellent. However, there will be completely new engine regulations, including the use of cheaper components, as of 2006. As a result, there might be different opportunities for our team. I will begin to evaluate all potential options, which naturally include Ferrari, at the beginning of next season [2005]. It goes without saying that I have informed Jean Todt accordingly."

A BMW spokesman confirmed that supplying engines to Sauber was a possibility. “We have not yet made a decision as to whether or not we will supply customer engines," he said. “I can confirm that we have had an approach from Sauber – and indeed also from Red Bull – but nothing has been decided. There have been talks and there will be more talks."