BMW pulling out of SA motorsport

BMW SA has put its entire racing operation up for sale after a dismal 2007 season in SA Production Car racing - and that includes its Mini team.

BMW finished a distant third behind Audi and Nissan in the 2007 Manufacturers' standings.

"In line with BMW's focus on Formula 1 and the World Touring Car championship," said BMW's discreetly worded media release, "and in view of revised marketing objectives for the brand in the South African market, BMW SA will no longer maintain a direct involvement in South African motorsport.

"The company will call for proposals from any parties interested in acquiring the assets of the BMW SA motorsport programme with a view to entering a private team in the SA Production Car series from 2008."

BMW has been active in SA motorsport for 31 years - almost since the inauguration of the local plant at Rosslyn, near Pretoria - with considerable success in the Touring Car and Production Car series.

BMW's Guy Kilfoil told motoring.co.za a factor in the decision had been the perception by BMW SA management that the playing field was no longer level because of technical infringements by some rival cars.

He said these gave an unfair advantage and not only were they unpunished but were also condoned for continued use.

BMW

He said the team's BMW 330i cars would be made available to private teams but that they would not be able to race under the BMW name.

BMW SA's Mini racing programme would also be discontinued, he said, but those cars would simply be sold out of hand.

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