A key factor in ensuring that Formula One teams operate efficiently is flexible travel planning and the option of landing at small airports close to race tracks. With this in mind, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has entered a partnership with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. The Swiss plane manufacturer will make its nine-seater PC-12 NG – in team livery – available for European flights.

Team Principal and owner Peter Sauber is confident that “This partnership will gain us valuable time at many races and test drives. We value Pilatus’ reputation very highly and envisage plenty of synergies in joint incentive events as well as technology communications.”

Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Oscar J. Schwenk, commented: “Pilatus Aircraft Ltd is delighted to be able to partner the BMW Sauber Team during the 2010 season. In motor racing as in aviation, the highest quality, optimum precision and perfect teamwork are vital success factors. As Switzerland’s sole aircraft manufacturer, we wish Switzerland’s only Formula One team a high-flying season full of precision landings.”