Obviously, the aforementioned publication did not disclose any names, as the report is currently in its “rumor stage.” However, should the new investor story prove to be true, it may be BMW's last chance of getting something back from their Formula One investment. The German manufacturer is still controlling 80 percent of the Hinwil based team and are not willing to settle for a management buyout like in the case of Honda, last year.
BMW have been trying to sell their share in the team for months now, only the partner they initially chose was not exactly a legitimate one. Actually, this is the main reason why the International Automobile Federation (FIA), although having a spare spot to fill on the 2010 grid, is still evaluating BMW Sauber's inclusion in the next year's entry list.
That's because Qadbak, the Swiss company that looked to have bought into the Sauber team a couple of months ago, are controlled by convicted fraudster Russell King. And the FIA has no intention of letting questionable businessmen get involved in Formula One racing.
On the other hand, it has been reported that the BMW/Qadbak deal clearly stipulates that only the team's inclusion in the 2010 Formula One Championship would seal the deal. In case that doesn't happen, Qadbak walks away and BMW remains with a huge burden on their shoulders.
The reports on the matter are still very vague, but a definitive answer is expected to be made public by the FIA in the next few weeks. By Christmas, we should have the official and definitive entry list for the 2010 season, with or without the Sauber team in it.
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