Having finished runner-up in the 2007 Constructors' Championship, BMW has announced that it is bolstering its technical department and has appointed Christoph Zimmermann to be its new Chief Designer.

In this position the 39-year-old Swiss will be responsible for the design of the race car as of 1st January 2008. He will report to Technical Director Willy Rampf.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: "On principle we fill executive positions internally whenever possible. It also sends an important signal to our workforce. I am delighted that in Christoph Zimmermann we have a highly qualified colleague in our ranks who will take over the task of Chief Designer. From his previous work he is familiar with the complex technical relationships as well as the specific operational procedures involved. In keeping with our philosophy, we will also replace him internally."

Zimmermann is looking forward to his new job: "The BMW Sauber F1 Team has made great strides in its two development years. I would like to make my own contribution in supporting the team on its successful path to the top."

Zimmermann is a mechanical engineer and worked as a composite and model designer at Sauber in Hinwil from 1989. Between 1999 and 2000 he switched to Swift Engineering Inc. before returning to Sauber to become Head of Composite Design in 2000.