BMW AG has expanded its America's Cup involvement following the Formula 1 example of BMW Williams. Following the Cup premiere with Larry Ellison's Team Oracle BMW Racing in 2002/2003, the Munich-based car manufacturer will continue its sailing activities as equal partners under the new team name BMW Oracle Racing.
At a press conference in Munich on Wednesday, Dr Michael Ganal, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, did not want to put a figure on the correspondingly increased budget: "I can only support the speculation to the extent that we have expanded our commitment." After BMW had invested around 18 to 20 million euros at the premiere and the newly formed team has a total of around 100 million euros at its disposal for the four-year campaign, BMW's commitment is probably worth 35 to 50 million euros.
New on board the future black and white racing yachts under the US banner of Larry Ellison's Golden Gate Yacht Club (San Francisco) is Munich-based circumnavigator Tony Kolb. The 28-year-old signed his contract on 5 May. "I'm very, very happy about it," said a delighted Cup newcomer Kolb, who wants to get involved in the America's Cup action, especially on the forecastle.
After 32 duels in the 153-year history of the world's oldest sporting trophy, Tony Kolb is only the fifth German sailor to take part in the America's Cup. Before him, Helgoland-born Ralf Steitz (1994/95, 2002/03), three-time Olympic champion Jochen Schümann (1999/2000, 2002/03), Kiel psychologist Weert Kramer (1999/2000) and Hamburg professional sailor Tim Kröger have already competed in the Cup.
Dr Ganal dismissed speculation that BMW could bring the America's Cup to Germany if it wins: "If we are actually in the fortunate position of being able to defend the Cup in San Francisco, then we will be delighted to do so." The background to this is the attractive US market. Dr Ganal explains: "Although we are a German company, the USA is our most important market in terms of unit sales, turnover and earnings."
BMW AG is not planning any further involvement in the international or German sailing scene, for example in the America's Cup-related and once again booming discipline of match racing. Only the national companies are driving forward their own projects, such as the partnership with Kieler Woche.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
