Another motor manufacturing super-power, the German-based BMW, will be joining the Williams team next year, as its engine suppliers.

BBC: Toyota set to join F1

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 can drive solely on electric power under light throttle at speeds up to 37 mph in Comfort mode and up to 47 mph in Eco Pro.

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BMW, is stuffed with details about the carburettors and power-to-weight ratios of almost every model that the Bavarian manufacturer has ever produced.

ECONOMIST: Business books

That means maximum engine power, hence Michael Schumacher's warning that BMW Williams will be a force.

BBC: McLaren distractions can boost Schumi

And its Mercedes engine is lacking power and reliability compared to standard-setting motors from BMW and Ferrari.

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"With the power of Toyota behind it, you can never underestimate Lexus, " says BMW's worldwide sales and marketing chief, Michael Ganal.

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But he suspects Jaguar and BMW will be selling passenger models equipped with KERS long before Formula One has made its power-boosting technology a decisive factor in winning races.

ECONOMIST: Tech.view: Boost for Formula One | The

And Petrov, whose Friday was punctuated by spins, blamed his struggles on adapting to the Kers energy recovery and power-boost system, of which Heidfeld has experience from his time at BMW Sauber in 2009.

BBC: Nick Heidfeld heads Fernando Alonso at his Renault test

After years of offering only high-power, high-consumption six-, eight-, and 12-cylinder engines, BMW, Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz will start rolling out efficient four-cylinder engines in the United States this year.

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