Exodus

The later seems to be the case with BMW, which has now quit F1 racing effective the end of this season.

Winners never quit, & quitters never win?

Despite the total lack of on-track success, BMW’s withdrawl – at least according to the automaker – is because of costs.

BMW’s decision, according to observers, “effectively vindicates Max Mosley’s ongoing push to cut F1 costs – & his lack of faith in the manufacturers’ commitment to F1.” Apparently Prince Max has long felt that others would follow after Honda left the series at the end of the 2008 season, but we was pointing at weak performers Toyota & Renault.

In a statement, FIA said it “regrets the announcement of BMW´s intended withdrawal from Formula one but is not surprised by it. it's been clear for some time that motorsport cannot ignore the world economic crisis.

“Had these (cost reduction) regulations not been so strongly opposed by a number of team principals, the withdrawal of BMW & further such announcements in the future might have been avoided,” the FIA continued.

Heading in to the 2010 season, it is not likely another automaker would step in to the F1 fray. Of work, F1 is not the only major race series on the ropes. It will be an interesting winter.