BMW Sauber F1 Team restructures technical department

The BMW Sauber F1 Team is restructuring the management of its technical department. Willy Rampf (55), currently Technical Director, will take up the post of Technical Coordinator on 1st November 2008. Rampf will continue to be responsible for the vehicle concept and lead the team at the race track in his new role. However, responsibility for business operations and line management will pass to Walter Riedl (48), who already heads up operations at the Hinwil plant and overall project management in his capacity as Managing Director. Riedl will also retain these functions. The change has come about at the express wish of Willy Rampf, who has been keen to reduce his work schedule: "I have been Technical Director since April 2000, initially at Sauber, and now for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. It has been an extremely enjoyable but also very intense phase of my life. The idea of cutting back professionally has been growing in my mind for some time already. I discussed the subject with Mario Theissen and we have found a solution together. I'm looking forward to focusing on my original technical responsibilities again and am in no doubt that we can continue to build on our success." BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen added: "I can totally understand that Willy Rampf wants to cut down on his workload. I'm pleased that we have found an internal solution with the new structure, one which fits in with the philosophy of the team. All responsibilities will continue to lie in the hands of experienced managers who have played a key role throughout the development phase of the young team. At the same time, the team will continue to benefit from Willy's expertise and great experience. His contribution to the team - both before and after BMW acquired a majority stake - deserves the utmost respect. His record is extremely impressive, and our one-two victory in Montreal represents the crowning moment of his time with us so far." Walter Riedl will take over responsibility for the BMW Sauber F1.09 development process with immediate effect, while Rampf will continue to look after the further development of the BMW Sauber F1.08. As Riedl explains: "I have already been working very closely and very effectively with Willy Rampf, and this cooperation will now reach another new level. The new structure guarantees continuity and ensures that the BMW Sauber F1 Team is in good shape for the future." Riedl joined BMW as a development engineer in 1983 and has worked in a leading position in Formula One for nine years. Since 1999 he has been the responsible manager for the BMW Formula One project. Riedl took over the management of the Hinwil factory on 1st January 2006 following the company's decision to acquire a majority stake in Sauber. He has also been responsible for project management across both locations since the summer of 2005. For further information please visit the media website www.press.bmw-motorsport.com (press releases, press kits, images, TV footage) and the official team website www.bmw-sauber-f1.com (car, season, Race Club, team updates).