AUGUST 19, 2002

The secret of BMW's 2003 engine...

Espionage amongst engine companies has long been a feature of Formula 1 but BMW's Dr. Mario Theissen says that he does not believe in trying to force his staff not to take secrets elsewhere.

Espionage amongst engine companies has long been a feature of Formula 1 but BMW's Dr. Mario Theissen says that he does not believe in trying to force his staff not to take secrets elsewhere. Theissen argues that motivating the engine designers with the best technology and a positive team spirit is what ultimately brings rewards and that those who copy will always be behind.

Asked in Budapest if he could give any secret details about the new BMW V10 engine for next year, Theissen replied that the engine would be a very radical unit indeed as it would be a "270-degree V10 mounted upside down".