Sauber loses South African sponsor

Mar.9 (GMM) The South African province Gauteng has decided to wind up its motor sport programme.

The Gauteng Motor Sport Company earlier looked into reviving a South African grand prix, and sponsored the Renault and BMW-Sauber teams.

BMW motor sport director Mario Theissen said last year its Gauteng backing was a “long-term” deal.

But executive council member Firoz Cachalia has announced that the province is paying to wind up its contracts within the next two months.

“We’re dealing here with a lot of money, a lot of interested parties, and international contracts,” he said.

A statement confirmed that the BMW-Sauber deal was “terminated amicably”.