BMW keeps Sauber name in F1

BMW will call its new team BMW Sauber in next season's Formula One campaign. The German car giant announced in June it would end a six-year partnership with Williams and buy a majority stake in Peter Sauber's Swiss-based team.

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director "The name chose itself. It reflects the team's make-up - run by BMW but with a core of 300 Sauber employees." Peter Sauber, who will remain with the team as an advisor, said: "It's nice to see that the name will continue."

Willy Rampf will remain as technical director at the Swiss factory with Heinz Paschen named as technical director Munich, where the engine will be built. Germany's Nick Heidfeld has signed from Williams on a three-year deal and joins Canadian former world champion Jacques Villeneuve as the team's drivers.