BMW has announced that it will leave Formula One (F1) at the end of the current season, the second leading car marker to withdraw from the sport in two years.

BMW said in a statement that F1 was no longer a sustainable or viable venture for BMW. “This was a difficult decision for us. But it’s a resolute step in view of our company’s strategic realignment,” Chairman of BMW’s Board Norbert Reithofer said. “Premium will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead. In line with our strategy … we are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability. Our Formula One campaign is thus less a key promoter for us.”

BMW doesn’t have a long history in the sport, having only formally run its own team after acquiring the Sauber Formula One team prior to the 2006 season. BMW engines though have supplied other teams in the past, including the Brabham team in the 1980s and Williams from 2000 to 2005. The BMW Sauber team’s best year was in 2007, when it came 2nd in the manufacturers championship.

BMW follows in the footsteps of Honda last year, and leaves only four car manufacturers still competing: Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Toyota and Renault.

BMW quits Formula One is a post from: The Inquisitr

After a horror year off the track including allegations of tax evasion, Helio Castroneves won his third Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.

Castroneves started the race in pole position, but it took until the 185th lap until he clearly broke away from the field, winning in the end by 1.9819 seconds. Castroneves previously won the Indy 500 consecutively in 2001 and 2002.

“I think my tears speak for everything,” Castroneves said after the race. “I have to thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity. And I have to thank my team because they gave me my life back. And to the fans, you guys kept me strong. You are the best. I’m honored to have fans like you….Let’s celebrate now — yeah, baby!!!”

Model IndyCar driver and GoDaddy girl Danica Patrick never got close to leading, but used a strict fuel strategy to take out a tidy third, behind Dan Wheldon.

The race was also notable for the return of the Andretti curse. Mario Moraes drifted to the outside and made contact with Marco Andretti, sending both cars into the wall going into the second turn. Andretti didn’t return to the race until lap 61.

Indy 500 results: Helio Castroneves wins, Danica Patrick third is a post from: The Inquisitr