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The move will see BMW standardising on Intel kit across its data centres and throughout its 3,000 plus dealerships along with co-marketing and joint technology initiatives.

Corporate laptops and PDAs will also be moved to Intel platforms and the two companies have pledged to develop a standard for connecting devices to BMW cars.

But equally as exciting for some are the marketing possibilities opened up by fusing these two heavyweight brands.

Prof. Dr. Burkhard Göschel, BMW Group

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board member for purchasing and development, said: 'Like the BMW Group, Intel also sets the highest standards of performance, innovation and quality for its products. For both companies, technological leadership is a fundamental goal. Our methods of systematically turning ideas into innovative products will be excellently supported and complemented by Intel's innovative technology and highly efficient solutions. This partnership stands to benefit our IT, our customers and our Formula One team.'

BMW took over the troubled Sauber team after this year's Formula One season, ending its partnership with the Williams team, but giving it control over its own destiny with full control of Sauber.

HP, the sponsor of the BMW Williams F1 team ended that relationship this year also.

Ferrari too has its fair share of tech logos on board, the most prominent being Vodafone. But AMD and Acer are both sponsors.

And Sun Microsystems sponsors the McLaren team.

The BMW Sauber F1 Team and its new partners will present the new team in Valencia, Spain from 16-17 Jaunuary 2006.