BMW Q&A

We look at where BMW's announcement to withdraw from F1 at the end of the season leaves the sport.

BMW announced on Wednesday that it will leave Formula One at the end of 2009 after four seasons as a fully-fledged manufacturer. The following Q&A looks at where that leaves the sport: Why is BMW withdrawing? BMW says it wants to focus on sustainability and the environment. It will stay in series that allow it to transfer technology to road vehicles more directly, such as the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and World Superbikes. Board member Klaus Draeger said the main reason was "not our current performance or the general economic situation". However, the fact that BMW-Sauber are in the midst of a poor season after being title contenders last year cannot have helped. Nor can the team's lack of big sponsors or the decision by the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) not to continue in 2010 with the KERS energy recovery system that BMW had backed strongly. Why has it announced the decision now? The signing of a new Concorde Agreement - the commercial protocol between teams, the FIA and the sport's commercial rights holders - would have committed them to Formula One until at least the end of the 2012 season. The FIA expects the new agreement to be signed by the end of this week. Where does the announcement leave Formula One? Four manufacturers will remain in the sport next season - assuming they decide to stay. But three new teams have been granted entry by the FIA and other teams who had their applications rejected could be interested in taking any vacated slot. However, the immediate emphasis will be on securing a buyout of the BMW Sauber team. Can it find a new owner? Brawn GP rose from the ashes of the Honda team to dominate the 2009 season until recent races. BMW Sauber's Swiss base could represent a problem but not one that's insurmountable. Founder Peter Sauber - who sold out to BMW ahead of the 2006 season - remains a consultant and 20 per cent stakeholder but, at 65 years old, the cigar-smoking Swiss is unlikely to want the stress of day-to-day involvement even if he is sure to be involved in any immediate rescue effort. How many staff are affected? BMW-Sauber employ about 430 staff at the Hinwil factory in Switzerland. Will other manufacturers leave? Toyota - yet to win a race since their F1 debut eight seasons ago - and Mercedes-Benz, who partner McLaren, have said they remain committed now costs are being reduced. Fiat-owned Ferrari also seem sure to stay, having an unbroken 60-year involvement in Formula One. However, a question mark hangs over Renault, who must fill a big hole in their budget after title sponsor ING depart at the end of the year. The former champions have been struggling this season and have also just been suspended from the upcoming European Grand Prix. Is the era of manufacturer domination coming to an end? In terms of numbers, the balance has now tipped in favour of independent teams, who will make up nine of the 13 entered for next season (assuming BMW Sauber can find a buyer). Red Bull and Brawn GP have already shown this season what privately-run teams can do. However, the manufacturers will still have plenty of clout with their considerable resources. Glamour team Ferrari and McLaren are not about to fade away. What about engines? Mercedes-Benz currently supply three teams and are keen to add a fourth, with paddock speculation suggesting Red Bull might switch from Renault. Sauber originally entered F1 with Mercedes back in 1993 before the latter decided to partner McLaren. Sauber also used Ferrari engines, under the badge of Petronas, for nine seasons until BMW arrived. Ferrari have supplied several teams in the past but only Toro Rosso at present so could have spare capacity. What about the drivers? Poland's Robert Kubica is a race winner, still only 24 years old and seen by many as a potential world champion. As such, he is likely to be snapped up by another team quickly enough. Nick Heidfeld's future, however, is less certain. The German is now 32, in his 10th season and has yet to win in 160 starts.