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Duo at the head of BMW Motorsports: Dr. Mario Theissen and Gerhard Berger

23 April 1999

Munich-- A duo will now be at the head of BMW Motorsports: Gerhard Berger and Dr. Mario Theissen are now together responsible for the strategic directing and operational management of motorsports. The disciplinary leadership and the technology department will be in Theissen's hands. Berger takes over the direction of the Marketing Department as well as Business Relations & Representation.

Berger, the 39 year-old ex-Formula 1 driver, has been BMW Motorsport Director since October 1998. Theissen, 46, was up until now head of the Innovation Center at BMW AG, as well as Managing Director of BMW Technik GmbH. "This new challenge is fascinating. This is especially so because innovative technology in motor racing should also give an impulse to the series models and vice-versa."

Paul Rosche, 65, will continue to be responsible for the development of the BMW Formula 1 engine.

Berger: "Enormous tasks lie ahead of us: the return to Formula 1 in the year 2000 as well as the sportscar highlight of this season, the commitment of the BMW V12 LMR in LeMans in June. With the leadership of Dr. Theissen, BMW Motorsport will be headed by the appropriate technical competence. We are on a course which promises success."

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