BMW and Sauber talks ongoing

The talks between Sauber and BMW are ongoing and Mario Theissen thinks an agreement to supply the Swiss squad with engines from 2006 could be sealed by June. Sauber is currently Ferrari-powered but has been on the lookout for a new partner, while Red Bull recently announced that it had secured a deal for Ferrari engines next year.

BMW partners Williams but has been linked with Sauber for some time -- however, it's a complex process. "It's not just about money, it's much more about how to co-operate and how to make it work," BMW motorsport director Theissen told reporters at Barcelona in regard to Sauber.

"It's not that easy. Some problems have to be solved to make our engine work in their car next year and that's why it's not completed yet. We are making progress, I don't see us under time pressure and I expect an agreement before the end of June probably."

Sauber has been running the Ferrari units, badged as Petronas, since 1997 but has been distancing itself from the Italian manufacturer this season. The rumour mill speculates that BMW is planning a buy out of Sauber to run its own team but Theissen dismissed that idea as speculation.

The manufacturer's partnership with Williams is expected to continue but BMW company director Helmut Panke is not happy with the Grove squad's results so far in 2005.

"The performance of the BMW-Williams team up to now has not been such a high performance that we expect to become champions this season," Panke said, according to AFP.

"Formula One is the premiere league in motor sports. This is why BMW will continue to be there. This is why it will have to find a way to be successful and achieve a way to become champion in Formula One. I say that with the current midfield position of BMW, we are not happy."