BMW and ORACLE Racing said yesterday that they were very pleased to announce the renewal of their partnership in BMW ORACLE Racing, as they prepare to compete for the next America’s Cup.

Speaking at a press conference at BMW Welt, which adjoins the firm’s headquarters in Munich, Russell Coutts – the team’s CEO and skipper – said they were delighted to be renewing a strong partnership that is now entering its seventh year. Both Coutts and Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management BMW Group, Sales & Marketing, said they looked forward to seeing an exciting event with the technologically demanding multihull yachts to be used in the 33rd America’s Cup.

“We are proud to continue this partnership with BMW,” Coutts said. “Trying to win the America’s Cup is about combining the world’s top design and engineering excellence with a passion to succeed. The Cup is a marriage of technology and sportsmanship. And, as BMW is also showing in Formula One racing, this is something it understands extremely well.” Coutts added: “We greatly value BMW’s team commitment, and will continue to support the values that BMW and ORACLE represent in aiming to compete at our best in the special challenge the next Cup is shaping up to be.”

Ian Robertson said: “The BMW brand has benefited hugely from the commitment to the America’s Cup and the BMW ORACLE Racing Team.”

With its unique technological competence, BMW has set new standards in the area of intelligent lightweight design. Aeronautical engineers Christoph Erbelding and Thomas Hahn have remained with the BMW ORACLE Racing team since the 32nd campaign and bring their expertise to the team. Erbelding works with the rig team in Valencia and Rhode Island, Hahn belongs to the hull structures team based at the boat-building site in Anacortes. Both provide an integral contribution toward ensuring the boat is as stiff and light as possible and delivers maximum performance.

Robertson added: “Building on BMW’s technology transfer, we have been able to position ourselves as a strong, long-term partner in the team. When it comes to “yacht building”, BMW engineers have set new standards in the area of intelligent lightweight design. Technical expertise derived from our EfficientDynamics programs – less consumption, more driving pleasure – will provide valuable know-how, which we will bring to the BMW ORACLE Racing Team. This distinguishes us from competitors. We will continue to pursue this strategy in the future.”

Coutts closed the event by saying the team was committed to seeing both a good competition and the Cup move forward: “These boats are going to be like nothing any of us have raced before. But whatever the outcome of this match, we also want to see the Cup move on successfully once this upcoming Deed of Gift match has been decided to a conventional event that is again run by mutual consent and includes all teams. “