BMW Sauber

BMW Sauber was formed in 2006 after BMW took control of Sauber and quickly became one of the strongest manufacturer-backed projects of the late 2000s. Led by Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, the team progressed rapidly, became a regular podium contender, and scored its only victory with Kubica at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. That season it briefly looked capable of joining the title fight. The 2009 rule changes hurt performance, and BMW chose to withdraw. BMW Sauber was short-lived but highly significant.