Just weeks after McLaren announced that it has persuaded Vodafone to 'jump ship' from Ferrari and become its title sponsor in 2007, BMW has announced a partnership with fellow communications company O2

The new BMW Sauber F1 Team will have the support of mobile phone operator O2 Germany in 2006. As an official partner of the BMW Sauber F1 Team, O2 is extending its previous Formula One involvement and its
existing partnership with BMW.

The partnership between the BMW Sauber F1 Team and O2 goes beyond conventional sponsoring. Starting this season, for example, the Munich-based network provider is planning to offer team-design merchandising articles in its stores. O2 also offers a wide range of WAP, MMS and SMS information services on the subject of motor racing as well as up-to-the-minute news. The BMW Sauber F1 Team will in future be making its mobile phone calls through O2.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: "It is important for us to have partners who apply the same high standards to their products. O2 stands for quality, innovative solutions and user-friendliness. We are looking forward to working together."

Rudolf Gröger, CEO of O2 Germany, adds: "O2 and the BMW Sauber F1 Team share the same striving for perfection. Both partners focus on innovation and use the latest technology to achieve rapid success."

The connection between the two companies has a history. O2 was already an official supplier to the BMW WilliamsF1 Team and a team partner of BMW Motorsport during their one-two victory in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race in 2005.