Does BMW F1 have new American investor?

Auto Motor und Sport ran a story in which is detailed some of the challenges that the exiting BMW team has been facing with its arranged buyout by suspect investment group Qadbak. We’ve discussed some of the nuances here and here. It seems that Qadbak was relying on FOM’s commercial money payout to BMW F1 for some of their working capital and that may not happen. It also suggests that commercial rights boss Bernie Ecclestone may withhold those payment as punishment to BMW F1 for their exit.

This story, like others I have read, all but place the Qadbak buyout in tatters and suggest that it is effectively over.

The interesting part of the story is the allegation that there could be a new American investor interested in the buying the team. No names are given but it was suggested that they are a reputable name and that would go a long way with the FIA, CVC and other teams. If you recall, there is a fraudster involved with the Qadbak buyout or at least someone who may be considered a fraudulent character and no one is quite certain as to where the money is coming from. A solid American investor might put minds at ease and usher the team into Toyota’s vacant slot for 2010.

So who could the investor be? Seems to me there were several teams interested in getting in to F1 in 2010 and I find it odd that none of them have approached BMW for the purchase opportunity. Does it make sense for an American investor? wouldn’t it be more of an opportunity for N. Technology, Prodrive, Lola or others who were keen to be in the series?

The story is suspect for a couple of reason but namely because it lacks any sources as to who the American investor is or where they learned of such news. That doesn’t make it untrue but you should take it with a grain of salt until someone, specifically Dr. Mario Theissen, starts naming names. On the surface, however, it would be an interesting notion and I would be very relived for all the employees at Hinwill as well as Christian Klien.

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