Cutting-edge F1 technology for production models. The BMW Group benefits from highly advanced innovations developed by the BMW Sauber Formula One Team

Munich. The main prerequisite for BMW's comeback to Formula One in 2000 was to
generate synergies between F1 and series development. It was for this reason
that development of the Formula One powertrain and electronics was integrated
at the Munich plant, with the BMW Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) playing
a pivotal role. The F1 factory was set up less than a kilometre away from the
think tank and the two formed a close network. "The FIZ represents the future
of BMW," states Mario Theissen. "Here you have the most capable engineers
working in state-of-the-art research and development facilities. The FIZ has
vast resources at its disposal, from which we benefit directly. Conversely,
with its extreme technical challenges and the requisite pace of development,
the company's F1 involvement represents a unique testing ground for our
technicians."

The acquired know-how remains within the company, where it benefits the
development of production cars. The expertise developed for the machining of
various materials and components in Formula One, such as cylinder heads or
crankcases, finds its way into production cars as well the development of
motorcycles at BMW Motorrad.

Further focuses are the advancement of expertise in CFRP materials and their
use in body construction, the development of hybrid components for Formula One
and derivatives for series models. But production vehicles also enjoy the
fruits of development and logistics processes honed in the sphere of Formula
One. Examples include further advances in aerodynamics and the systems control
unit.

Starting in season 2009, hybrid technology can be deployed for the first time
in Formula One to enhance performance and efficiency. The BMW Sauber F1 Team is
working flat out on the development of the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery
System), for example, which serves to regenerate brake energy. In doing so the
BMW Sauber F1 Team is also promoting the hybrid competence of the BMW Group.
Further innovations are being developed in the areas of casting technologies,
powertrain and intelligent energy management.

Dr Klaus Draeger, Director of Development for BMW AG, summarises: "The BMW
Group can transfer the knowledge gained within the BMW Sauber F1 Team directly
into the development of standard production vehicles. This makes Formula One
the ideal predevelopment platform for innovative drive technologies. The new
Formula One regulations give us the opportunity to deploy innovative hybrid
technology under extreme conditions and at the same time glean important
insights for production development. BMW customers stand to gain from this."