However, that doesn't mean Peter Sauber's and BMW's team have already found a buyer for the upcoming season. Since the German manufacturer has already announced its withdrawal from the sport at the end of the ongoing season, the Munich officials have tried to secure a buyout in recent weeks.
Initially, Peter Sauber wanted to convince the BMW representatives to proceed to a Brawn GP style management buyout, but the German marque didn't agree. Without a decent financial backing for the 2010 season, the team couldn't sign the new Concorde Agreement, linking the teams to the FIA until 2012.
Under the circumstances, the international body reopened its entry list for the upcoming season in order to find the 13th team to sign the aforementioned document. BMW Sauber have decided to do the same, while also hoping the FIA would favor them before the other applying outfits.
The reason is quite understandable, if one thinks from an investor's point of view. No buyer would take on the responsibility of managing an F1 outfit without the sole guarantee that the team will actually make the grid in 2010. Therefore, if the FIA grant the Swiss team an entry for 2010, the chances of BMW and Sauber finding a buyer will increase significantly. However, so will the risks taken by the FIA.
Having said that, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport revealed the Hinwil based team are currently on the FIA list for a 2010 entry. From that point on, it's only for the ruling body to decide. What BMW will do, however, is make sure they'll find an interested investor in time, even if that means sacrificing the remainder of the 2009 season.
“Efforts are continuing behind the scenes to find a solution for the team,” said BMW's motorsport director Mario Theissen yesterday.
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