The German media reacted cautiously to BMW's press conference yesterday, at which the car manufacturer presented its new involvement in sailing.
The "FAZ" newspaper criticised the fact that no German project would benefit from the estimated 18 million euros in sponsorship money. Critics would see this "as a setback for German professional racing ...". "Bild", on the other hand, has its sights set on the new team spokesman Hans-Joachim Stuck. "However, the ex-racing driver still has a lot to learn. Yesterday he raved about fast boats in 8-force winds. In such stormy conditions, Mr Stuck, no America's Cup yacht will run out of steam ..."
The "Handelsblatt" takes a big look at the topic. It devotes half of its sports section to the sponsorship deal and explains the America's Cup. It puts the Italian Prada team's commitment at an adventurous 250 million dollars. The business newspaper also sees BMW only as a "paying guest in Oracle's boat" and emphasises that Larry Ellison's will to win tipped the scales in favour of the illbruck campaign.
The Financial Times Deutschland tries to understand the "ideal strategic complement to our other sports activities" (BMW spokesman Kalbsfell). "Formula 1, the Bavarians' most expensive commitment, does not attract the same attention in North America as it does in Europe ... With its involvement in sailing, BMW is aiming precisely at the target group in the USA."
Only the Süddeutsche Zeitung is keeping a low profile for the time being. The topic did not yet appear in Tuesday's national edition.
