Goodbye BMW, F1 Era Ends Again – VIDEO

2009 BMW Sauber F1

It’s the end again for BMW in F1, the fruitless 2000’s era was quietly wrapped up in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday with ex-BMW Sauber F1 test driver Sebastian Vettel taking the checkered flag. Nick Heidfeld managed a respectful 5^th pace, and Robert Kubica took the number 10 position.

BMW Sauber F1 compare; 2009 left, 2008 right

Although BWM has pulled out of F1 entirely, Sauber will live to race agin as they were purchased by Swiss-based Qadbak Investments. Sauber is provisionally entered in 2010.

BMW first entered Formula 1 as an engine supplier to Brabham in 1982 and the first victory of the pairing came in 1983 when Nelson Piquet won in Brazil on the way to claiming the drivers’ crown.

1982 Brabham BMW F1

But BMW pulled out as an engine supplier in 1987 before returning in 2000 as engine partners to Williams.

The duo were together for six years and ended up as constructors’ championship runners-up in 2002 and 2003, while winning 10 grand prixs and taking 17 pole positions.