BMW have signed Nick Heidfeld to drive for their new formula-one team on a three-year contract beginning next year.
The 28-year-old German currently races for Williams, who part company with BMW at the end of this season.
The German manufacturer has bought the Sauber team, and Heidfeld is the new outfit’s first driver signing.
Heidfeld was set to be dropped by Williams who expect Jenson Button to join them for 2006, although the British driver is reluctant to leave BAR-Honda.
BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen said: ”We are very pleased that Nick will be with us in what will undoubtedly be a difficult initial phase.
”He is not simply a fast and courageous driver, he is also an analytical and meticulous worker.”
Heidfeld, recovering from a broken shoulder suffered in a cycling accident, said: ”I’m really looking forward to the future. As far as I’m concerned, this represents the fulfilment of a big dream.”
But he warned: ”I’m not expecting a miracle during the first season after a new start in 2006, but I’m confident that the new team will be successful in the long term.”
Heidfeld achieved his first formula-one pole position in May at Nürburgring, where he finished second, and took the runner-up spot at Monaco.
BMW has been racing in formula one as partner of Williams since 2000.
Heidfeld, who has missed races in Italy and Belgium and is also out of the Brazil Grand Prix on September 25, said he is aiming to return from injury in the Japan Grand Prix on October 9.
”I’d hoped to be recovered quicker than this, but it’s clear I need more time,” he said. ”I still can’t move my shoulder or arm much, but I hope to be back for Japan,” the 18th and penultimate leg of the 2005 season. — Sapa-AFP