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Tuesday November 3, 2009

BMW bow out with team facing an uncertain future

ABU DHABI: BMW bade farewell to Formula One with a final flourish on Sunday, leaving their Swiss-based Sauber team to an uncertain future under new owners.

Germany’s Nick Heidfeld finished fifth in Abu Dhabi, the sport’s newest circuit, on the German carmaker’s last appearance.

The four points allowed BMW-Sauber to overtake Williams for sixth place in the constructors’ standings.

“I’m obviously sad that BMW is leaving, but from my side it’s nice to leave like this,” said Heidfeld, whose own future has yet to be decided.

Signing off: The BMW team pose for a group photo before the first practice session at the Yas Marina racetrack in Abu Dhabi on Friday. — AP

“It was a very satisfying race for me, but in the last couple of laps I had to concentrate because I started to think about it being the last race for the team and everybody. It’s quite emotional after four years.

“I hope they (Sauber) will be here next year. I am confident I will be here next year, it’s just a question of where,” added Heidfeld.

Polish team-mate Robert Kubica, who is now moving to Renault, finished 10th.

“Thanks a lot to the team for the last four years. I hope to meet them back on the grid next year,” he said.

BMW sold the team to Qadbak, a Swiss-based foundation representing unnamed Middle Eastern interests, in September but failed to sign up to the Concorde Agreement governing the sport and have yet to secure a slot on the starting grid which is limited to 13 teams.

The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) awarded the 13th slot to Malaysian-backed Lotus, with BMW-Sauber’s new owners told they were first reserves if another team pulled out.

BMW-Sauber boss Mario Theissen stood in the paddock after the race, watching as his team packed up — possibly for the last time.

McLaren principal Martin Whitmarsh stopped to shake him by the end as he headed for the exit, adding: “Good luck this winter, keep fighting“.

“My feelings start to come out only now,” said Theissen. “Mixed feelings, obviously. I am happy about the result, happy for the team to finish this way but it is sad to leave.” — Reuters

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