bhallg2k wrote:One billion dollars? That figure alone almost completely discredits the story. Even Jesus isn't worth that kind of money to drive a car - well, maybe.
I just can't see how that kind of expenditure would be beneficial to BMW. DaimlerChrysler (specifically Mercedes) needs that kind of brand upgrade much more than BMW.
Actually the story is quite credible. Say Kimi goes to Ferrari surely schumi would rather see out his carear with a massive salery than risk getting beaten by a man ten years his junior.
The sum of money isn't just his salery though. In actual fact BMW are reported to be in talks with Willi Weber about signing Michael for a one year deal with options worth $100m per year. This figure though could be multiplied ten fold (giving the $1billion figure) due to revenue from sponsorship royalties, merchandising, product endorsement, PR appearances etc.
Also for BMW this would be a major coup, they want wins maybe even a title in 2008, and as good as Nick Hiedfeld is, he's no champ in the making, not just yet anyway. JV? Well its a big ask seeing as it will represent an 11 year gap between championships (something thats never been done before). Robert Kubica is quick, but his greatest achievments will have to come after 2008, '08 will be too early for him, he has to learn more.
Furthyer more Mercedes (who supported schu in his sports car days) have wanted to get schumi back into a Mercedes (Mclaren Mercedes?) for ages, MS even admits to having discussed driving for Mclaren with Ron Dennis as early as three years ago. For BMW to have schumi see out his carear with them would be a major coup over thir rival Mercedes, surely there would also be a range of "Schumacher" BMW's, anyone fancy a "BMW M3 CSL Schumacher"?
The year would be billed as a "Bye Bye Schumi" year, and the fact that BMW's HQ is in switzerland (where schumi lives) further strengthens the possibilities, also switzerland is a tax haeven for who ever schumi may bring with him (Ross Brawn maybe?)
BMW insiders have also been quoted as saying "The idea isn't a crazy one" and "Who better for Robert Kubica to learn the ropes fro in his rookie season?"
After schumi hangs up his race helmet the plan could also involve him in a managerial role similar to that of Gerhard Berger's at BMW when they where partnering Williams.
Bernie thinks Michael will stay put "He's happy at Ferrari, its like a family"
So BMW's dream may not come true, but lets be honest Stranger things have happened!
Silence is golden when you don't know a good answer.
)and Ferrari or Renault, at this point, can provide him with the package to win races.