130: BMW SAUBER F1 TEAM

Owners: BMW Group
Value: US$240 million

Previously an engine supplier for the Williams team, the BMW Group became a sports property in its own right when it purchased the Sauber Formula One team franchise midway through 2005.

The project is spearheaded by BMW veteran Mario Theissen who has managed the team through a steady upward curve between 2006 and 2008 before a sharp decline in the early part of 2009. In 2009, the team is working with a budget of US$386.9 million. Some US$220 million is coming from the parent company, including engines.

Primary sponsors Petronas and Intel contribute US$82 million between them. The team is, uniquely, based in two locations: the old Sauber base in Hinwil, Switzerland and BMW's existing facilities in Munich, Germany.

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