BMW, the German car manufacturer, is to withdraw from Formula One motor racing at the end of the 2009 season in a bid to dedicate more resources to developing sustainable road cars technologies.

After originally entering Formula One in the 1980s as an engine supplier, BMW took over the Switzerland-based Sauber motor racing team in 2006, but is now the second company to withdraw from the sport after Honda pulled out in December last year. Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport director, said: "Of course, we would all have liked to continue this ambitious campaign and show that this season was just a hiccup following three successful years. But I can understand why this decision was made from a corporate perspective."

BMW plans to continue its involvement in other motor sports, however, including the touring car series, Formula BMW and the American Le Mans Series.