20/07/2006
NEWS STORY
The Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) has been dealt a massive blow with the news that one of its leading lights, BMW's head of research and development, Burkhard Goeschel, is to retire on September 1, following a management reshuffle.
The shock announcement was made today, along with the news that current boss Helmut Panke is to also retire.
Current head of production, Norbert Reithofer, will take over control from Panke, while Goeschel's position will be taken by Klaus Draeger.
The GPMA has yet to issue a statement, though Goeschel's departure is sure to be a major blow as negotiations over the future of the sport continue.