BMW Switch Sides, Support F1 Budget Cap

Given the path chosen by arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz in the controversial “budget cap saga”, German car maker BMW seems to have changed their mind on quitting the sport. As announced by their motorsport director Mario Theissen, the financial limiting of their Formula One programme seems to now appeal BMW.

Theissen argued that, as long as the new budget limitations will be policed right, the 40M cap might be successful inside the Great Circle.

“I think whatever we do, if it's a monetary figure or if it's another form to cut resources, we have to police it and I think it can be policed. If we were not convinced it can be policed we wouldn't expend any effort on it but I think it can be done with a bit of good will on all sides and the right spirit. It can be done,” confirmed Theissen ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.

BMW are now the only manufacturer to switch sides in the conflict between the FIA and the F1 manufacturers, as Ferrari, Renault and Toyota are still holding their quit threats over the 2010 regulations. Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso – as they are backed by the same sponsor – are also on their side, with Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz confirming disagreement on the 2010 rule book.

On the other side, there are at least 3 other teams to support the budget cap rule, as Williams, Force India and McLaren all favoring the FIA regulations. Sir Frank Williams, a feverish supporter of budget capping ever since the idea was first launched by Max Mosley, argued this would be the only way teams could stand equal-chanced ahead of each season.

“We are clearly wholly in support of it (a budget cap). It suits us,” insisted Williams, while backed by Force India's Vijay Mallya: “Whether you call it a budget cap or call it a targeted amount to be spent, that is very, very essential or else the small independent teams will never be able to compete with those who have, in comparison, extraordinary budgets.”