Although
discussions have yet to progress beyond the initial stages both
Brock and BMW Australia managing director Ron Meatchem indicated
that Brock modified BMW’s could be a spin-off of their association.
Announcing
the Mobil BMW Motorsport team, Meatchem said that he was confident
the combination of Brock and Richards would be successful next season
as it had been in the past. “I am pleased Mobil has chosen
to continue sponsorship arrangements with Peter Brock and extend
it to include sponsorship of the BMW and Mobil Motorsport team for
the next two years “ he said. Less than two months ago Peter
Brock told journalists he would be definitely be racing a Commodore
in 1988 despite rumours to the contrary.
At
the launch of his new BMW team the Friday before the Australian
Grand Prix in Adelaide, Brock maintained that only the sudden
retirement of Frank Gardner and the subsequent disbanding of the
JPS BMW team had altered the situation. “What I said was
totally correct, “ Brock said. “We thought it would take
some time to set-up a new team with a new car and that maybe we
could have a BMW ready to race by May or June. “When Frank
retired however, all that equipment and expertise suddenly became
available. Circumstances changed within 48 hours.”
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The
Mobil BMW Motorsport team will virtually operate as the Australian
works BMW team, according to Brock who intends to forge strong links
with BMW Motorsport boss Peter Flohr in Munich. BMW Australia
will not be as closely involved with the team as was the Gardner
JPS operation.
Although
it will be down on horsepower, particularly compared with the
Ford Sierras and the new Tom Walkinshaw developed Commodore, Brock
believes the M3 will be highly competitive, especially in races
over 100 kilometres long. A new rear wing, new front spoiler,
and engine modifications have been homologated for 1988, and should
boost the M3’s performance. Although Brock was not specific
in his reasons for leaving Holden in favour of a BMW he did say
that Group A was a manufacturers formula and that input from a
manufacturer was needed to stay competitive. .
Brock
now plans to sell-off his Holden race cars and equipment.
For sale are three complete race-cars, including the one driven
to third on the road in the 1987 James Hardie 1000 plus eight
engines, six gearboxes and 40 or 50 wheels. Brock’s buyout
of the JPS cars and equipment has been funded by Mobil.
Mobil Oil Australia managing Director Phil Marriott said overwhelming
positive public response to Mobil’s association with Peter Brock,
coupled with his outstanding record and skills as a driver, as
well as the thoroughly professional operation of the race team,
were the key considerations in the decision to negotiate the extension
of sponsorships.
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