Munich. They were meant to get back on track for success, but the BMW WilliamsF1 Team were left trailing behind the leaders. The German-British partnership suffered its second difficult season in succession in 2005 and dropped back to fifth place in the Constructors’ standings. Their sixth season together – and the longest ever in Formula One history with 19 Grands Prix – also signalled the end of the partnership between BMW and WilliamsF1. BMW has taken over Swiss-based Sauber and will be fielding its own team for the 2006 season.

“Over these six years, both sides have learnt a lot and benefited a great deal from one another,” summarised BMW’s Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen. “Both partners are stronger today than at the start of our joint venture. For four years we exceeded our targets and in 2003 we were in the running for the World Championship title right up to the final race. But instead of making the crucial step forward, in 2004 and 2005 we lost touch with the leaders.”

Ten wins, including three one-two victories, a total of 45 podium places and 17 pole positions were accrued in 104 joint races since the year 2000. In the season just ended, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team failed to take a Grand Prix win for the first time since 2000 and ended the season with 66 points, placing them fifth in the final rankings. Despite ongoing improvements and comprehensive modifications halfway through the season, the Williams BMW FW27 proved uncompetitive.

The season’s highlights for the BMW WilliamsF1 Team were the races in Monaco and at the Nürburgring. The coastal principality saw German Nick Heidfeld (28) and his Australian team-mate Mark Webber (29) climb the podium together in the most prestigious of Grands Prix after finishing second and third respectively. In the Eifel a week later, Heidfeld secured the first pole position of his F1 career and took another second-placed finish.

Prior to that he had come third in Malaysia. These four podium places would remain the final tally for 2005. Webber ended the season with 36 points to place him tenth overall, while Heidfeld came eleventh with 28 points. Brazilian driver Antonio Pizzonia (25), who had stood in for an injured Heidfeld in the last five races of the season, chipped in two championship points.

BMW