Sport Forward: BMW's Theissen leaves Formula 1

Theissen led BMW-Sauber to second in the 2007 constructors' championship

Mario Theissen has ended his involvement in Formula 1 after BMW sold their team to founder Peter Sauber.

But the German, who led the Swiss-based team last season, will continue in his role as BMW's motorsport director.

"After BMW announced they were pulling out, it was left up to Mario to decide and he has said he will stay as motorsport director," said a spokesman.

BMW announced they were quitting the sport in July, and recently reached a deal to sell the team to Sauber.

The deal is dependent on the team securing a place on the grid for the 2010 season - they are expected to take the place of Toyota.

Theissen has been with BMW since 1977, and involved in their F1 activities for the last 20 years.

He became team principal when BMW bought Sauber in 2005 and two years later, led them to second place in the constructors' championship.

Robert Kubica's win in the 2008 Canada Grand Prix, ahead of team-mate Nick Heidfeld, gave Theissen his only race victory.

Sport Forward