Heidfeld brings Formula One to BMW Plant in Munich.
Theissen: “Support from within the company really helps
us.”
The assembly lines came to a standstill and the workforce
gathered in anticipation in front of the production halls.
Outside, Nick Heidfeld roared his way around BMW’s Munich
plant in his Formula One car. The BMW Sauber F1 Team put on
Wednesday’s spectacular driving demonstration to thank
the employees at the plant for their support in its Formula
One campaign. “It was long overdue and a really great
event,” said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.
“A lot of people have had their fingers crossed for
us and been with us all the way during the development phase
of the new team, so they should also share in our recent success.”
Heidfeld, lying second in the F1 drivers’ standings
after three races of the season, added: “It is nice
to give the workforce something back.”
Heidfeld was not the only driver performing donuts , which
eventually cost a front wing, watched by over 5000 employees
four days ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Touring
car driver Jörg Müller was also out and about at
the plant with his BMW 320si WTCC. David Mengesdorf rounded
off the BMW Motorsport line-up with a demo run in the Formula
BMW junior racing car.
“We’re well aware that a lot of people in the
various departments are keenly following our fortunes and
have bets on our results. However, it is not possible to involve
the workforce properly at the circuits, so we had to come
up with something special instead,” explained Theissen.
“It is wonderful to see the BMW employees getting behind
the sport. Support from within the company really helps us
and gives us extra incentives. If we continue to pull together
in this way then we will be well set to achieve that maiden
GP victory we have set our sights on for 2008.”
Heidfeld started the day with a tour through the production
halls. “The scale of the machinery is impressive, but
the euphoric reception I was given by the workforce was even
more amazing,” said the German. “I lost track
of how many hands I was shaking.”
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