The BMW UUC Digest Volume 3 : Issue 7 : "text" Format Messages in this Issue: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Re: [bmwuucdigest] digest(8 messages)
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 07:07:19 -0500 (GMT-05:00) From: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sorry for the late post, but I have been having e-mail trouble. You may want to consider Pinkerton glass. I had a windshield installed awhile back that has proven to be superior to the original glass. So far much less prone to sand pits and it has less waves and imperfections than the original windshiled, one of the clearest pieces of glass I have seen. I originally asked for PPG from a well respected local glass shop who is PPG certified and he told me that his supplier was supplying Pinkerton in my fitment, a 96 318ti. The supplier said that it was superior to the PPG and that is what they stock. I was a bit leary until I checked out Pinkerton. A British company who supplies a very large portion of all the glass used in the UK and Europe. It is OEM on many vehicles and is well thought of. I am glad I made the choice and had him install it. David in Richmond, VA -----Original Message----- >From: Brian Ruiz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Dec 17, 2005 11:34 PM >To: UUC Digest <[email protected]> >Subject: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? > >Hey all, > >I did a look through the archives, but I thought I'd >bring the topic up again to see if thoughts have >changed (relatively). I need to replace the >windshield in my E36, and although I recall some >threads in the not so distant past about windshield >brands for replacement, I am unsure what the consensus >was (or if there was one) regarding preferred >replacement brand. I DO know Levinson likes his OEM >glass for all the BMW logos and knicknacks, and a >guaranteed fit, but I don't know really know what most >others think. :) I do recall hearing that OEM glass >is a bit softer/more prone to chips and pits(?) What >do you all think? I was thinking also about >structural considerations, which I guess are moot if >the oem glass is softer and the PPG is harder. >Fitment-wise, is the PPG as good (or better) than OEM? > Opinions welcome, as well as names of any good >windshield installation places in the Los Angeles area >that anyone has had very good experience with. ;) > >Thanks, >Brian >95 M3 > >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >http://mail.yahoo.com >Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > >__________________________________________________________________________ >In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > >UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 08:05:18 -0600 From: "Ivan Demkovitch" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [email protected] Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Second that. I have Pinkerton installed on my E39 540 and there is nothing wrong with this glass. Too bad I cought a stone and will need another replacement... >From: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Reply-To: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: [email protected] >Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? >Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 07:07:19 -0500 (GMT-05:00) > >Sorry for the late post, but I have been having e-mail trouble. > >You may want to consider Pinkerton glass. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:22:51 -0500 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I think you guys mean Pilkington. Pinkerton is the detective agency. Gary Derian > Second that. > I have Pinkerton installed on my E39 540 and there is nothing wrong with > this glass. > > Too bad I cought a stone and will need another replacement... > > >>From: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Reply-To: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>To: [email protected] >>Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? >>Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 07:07:19 -0500 (GMT-05:00) >> >>Sorry for the late post, but I have been having e-mail trouble. >> >>You may want to consider Pinkerton glass. > > > Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > > __________________________________________________________________________ > In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > > UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate > Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! > 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:15:10 -0600 From: "Ivan Demkovitch" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], [email protected] Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Plexington? >From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >To: <[email protected]> >Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? >Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:22:51 -0500 > >I think you guys mean Pilkington. Pinkerton is the detective agency. >Gary Derian > > > >>Second that. >>I have Pinkerton installed on my E39 540 and there is nothing wrong with >>this glass. >> >>Too bad I cought a stone and will need another replacement... >> >> >>>From: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>>Reply-To: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>>To: [email protected] >>>Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? >>>Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 07:07:19 -0500 (GMT-05:00) >>> >>>Sorry for the late post, but I have been having e-mail trouble. >>> >>>You may want to consider Pinkerton glass. >> >> >>Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >>__________________________________________________________________________ >>In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. >> >>UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >>Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >>908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com > >Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > >__________________________________________________________________________ >In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > >UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 09:29:14 -0600 From: "BMWBits" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Maverick'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> I think if you check fully you will find it is PILKINGTON glass ...which is the largest glass making outfit in the World based in St Helens, Lancashire , UK . I think , but am not sure , that they are parent company of PPG (Pilkington Plate Glass ??) . They invented the 'float' method of glassmaking in 1940/50s ...they literally float the molten glass out of machine onto a pool of molten lead (??) to harden . Always wanted to see them do it . Big Bad Bill the BMW Boy Bill Proud. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Maverick Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 6:07 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Sorry for the late post, but I have been having e-mail trouble. You may want to consider Pinkerton glass. I had a windshield installed awhile back that has proven to be superior to the original glass. So far much less prone to sand pits and it has less waves and imperfections than the original windshiled, one of the clearest pieces of glass I have seen. I originally asked for PPG from a well respected local glass shop who is PPG certified and he told me that his supplier was supplying Pinkerton in my fitment, a 96 318ti. The supplier said that it was superior to the PPG and that is what they stock. I was a bit leary until I checked out Pinkerton. A British company who supplies a very large portion of all the glass used in the UK and Europe. It is OEM on many vehicles and is well thought of. I am glad I made the choice and had him install it. David in Richmond, VA -----Original Message----- >From: Brian Ruiz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Dec 17, 2005 11:34 PM >To: UUC Digest <[email protected]> >Subject: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? > >Hey all, > >I did a look through the archives, but I thought I'd >bring the topic up again to see if thoughts have >changed (relatively). I need to replace the >windshield in my E36, and although I recall some >threads in the not so distant past about windshield >brands for replacement, I am unsure what the consensus >was (or if there was one) regarding preferred >replacement brand. I DO know Levinson likes his OEM >glass for all the BMW logos and knicknacks, and a >guaranteed fit, but I don't know really know what most >others think. :) I do recall hearing that OEM glass >is a bit softer/more prone to chips and pits(?) What >do you all think? I was thinking also about >structural considerations, which I guess are moot if >the oem glass is softer and the PPG is harder. >Fitment-wise, is the PPG as good (or better) than OEM? > Opinions welcome, as well as names of any good >windshield installation places in the Los Angeles area >that anyone has had very good experience with. ;) > >Thanks, >Brian >95 M3 > >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >http://mail.yahoo.com >Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > >_______________________________________________________________________ ___ >In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > >UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] ________________________________________________________________________ __ In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.13/199 - Release Date: 12/13/05 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 11:46:00 -0500 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Glass is floated on a bed of molten tin. Pilkington is very big. Gary Derian >I think if you check fully you will find it is PILKINGTON glass ...which > is the largest glass making outfit in the World based in St Helens, > Lancashire , UK . I think , but am not sure , that they are parent > company of PPG (Pilkington Plate Glass ??) . > > They invented the 'float' method of glassmaking in 1940/50s ...they > literally float the molten glass out of machine onto a pool of molten > lead (??) to harden . Always wanted to see them do it . > > Big Bad Bill the BMW Boy > > Bill Proud. > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Maverick > Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 6:07 AM > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? > > Sorry for the late post, but I have been having e-mail trouble. > > You may want to consider Pinkerton glass. I had a windshield installed > awhile back that has proven to be superior to the original glass. So > far much less prone to sand pits and it has less waves and imperfections > than the original windshiled, one of the clearest pieces of glass I have > seen. > > I originally asked for PPG from a well respected local glass shop who is > PPG certified and he told me that his supplier was supplying Pinkerton > in my fitment, a 96 318ti. The supplier said that it was superior to > the PPG and that is what they stock. I was a bit leary until I checked > out Pinkerton. A British company who supplies a very large portion of > all the glass used in the UK and Europe. It is OEM on many vehicles and > is well thought of. > > I am glad I made the choice and had him install it. > > David in Richmond, VA > > -----Original Message----- >>From: Brian Ruiz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>Sent: Dec 17, 2005 11:34 PM >>To: UUC Digest <[email protected]> >>Subject: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? >> >>Hey all, >> >>I did a look through the archives, but I thought I'd >>bring the topic up again to see if thoughts have >>changed (relatively). I need to replace the >>windshield in my E36, and although I recall some >>threads in the not so distant past about windshield >>brands for replacement, I am unsure what the consensus >>was (or if there was one) regarding preferred >>replacement brand. I DO know Levinson likes his OEM >>glass for all the BMW logos and knicknacks, and a >>guaranteed fit, but I don't know really know what most >>others think. :) I do recall hearing that OEM glass >>is a bit softer/more prone to chips and pits(?) What >>do you all think? I was thinking also about >>structural considerations, which I guess are moot if >>the oem glass is softer and the PPG is harder. >>Fitment-wise, is the PPG as good (or better) than OEM? >> Opinions welcome, as well as names of any good >>windshield installation places in the Los Angeles area >>that anyone has had very good experience with. ;) >> >>Thanks, >>Brian >>95 M3 >> >>__________________________________________________ >>Do You Yahoo!? >>Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >>http://mail.yahoo.com >>Search the > ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >>_______________________________________________________________________ > ___ >>In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW > CCA. >> >>UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >>Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >>908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com > > Search the > ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > > ________________________________________________________________________ > __ > In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW > CCA. > > UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate > Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! > 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.13/199 - Release Date: > 12/13/05 > > > Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > > __________________________________________________________________________ > In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > > UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate > Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! > 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:44:15 -0600 From: Jamie Howton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: BMWBits <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [email protected] Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On 12/20/05, BMWBits <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I think if you check fully you will find it is PILKINGTON glass ...which > is the largest glass making outfit in the World based in St Helens, > Lancashire , UK . This is correct, my Grandfather used to be a production supervisor on their bottle making line (St. Helens) before he retired during the 1970s. I did have a chance to see that operation when I was a child and still remember watching the ingots of molten glass flying into the moulds glowing orange. -- Jamie Howton 2000 M5 1995 M3 Hampshire, IL ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 15:11:43 -0500 (GMT-05:00) From: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Pilkington is correct...that's what I get for sending an e-mail under the conditions i sent it:-) The dealer, who has a rather strong southern drawl, called it "Pinkerton glass"...I guess it stuck in my south-a-fied Yankee brain. I appreciate the kind correction and apologize for any misdirection. David in Richmond, VA -----Original Message----- >From: Jamie Howton <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Dec 20, 2005 11:44 AM >To: BMWBits <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Cc: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [email protected] >Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? > >On 12/20/05, BMWBits <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >> I think if you check fully you will find it is PILKINGTON glass ...which >> is the largest glass making outfit in the World based in St Helens, >> Lancashire , UK . > >This is correct, my Grandfather used to be a production supervisor on >their bottle making line (St. Helens) before he retired during the >1970s. I did have a chance to see that operation when I was a child >and still remember watching the ingots of molten glass flying into the >moulds glowing orange. > >-- >Jamie Howton >2000 M5 >1995 M3 >Hampshire, IL > >Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > >__________________________________________________________________________ >In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > >UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 15:13:57 -0500 (GMT-05:00) From: Maverick <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Pilkington is correct...please read my other apology:-) David in Richmond, VA -----Original Message----- >From: Gary Derian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >Sent: Dec 20, 2005 11:46 AM >To: [email protected] >Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? > >Glass is floated on a bed of molten tin. Pilkington is very big. >Gary Derian > > > >>I think if you check fully you will find it is PILKINGTON glass ...which >> is the largest glass making outfit in the World based in St Helens, >> Lancashire , UK . I think , but am not sure , that they are parent >> company of PPG (Pilkington Plate Glass ??) . >> >> They invented the 'float' method of glassmaking in 1940/50s ...they >> literally float the molten glass out of machine onto a pool of molten >> lead (??) to harden . Always wanted to see them do it . >> >> Big Bad Bill the BMW Boy >> >> Bill Proud. >> >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Maverick >> Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 6:07 AM >> To: [email protected] >> Subject: Re: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? >> >> Sorry for the late post, but I have been having e-mail trouble. >> >> You may want to consider Pinkerton glass. I had a windshield installed >> awhile back that has proven to be superior to the original glass. So >> far much less prone to sand pits and it has less waves and imperfections >> than the original windshiled, one of the clearest pieces of glass I have >> seen. >> >> I originally asked for PPG from a well respected local glass shop who is >> PPG certified and he told me that his supplier was supplying Pinkerton >> in my fitment, a 96 318ti. The supplier said that it was superior to >> the PPG and that is what they stock. I was a bit leary until I checked >> out Pinkerton. A British company who supplies a very large portion of >> all the glass used in the UK and Europe. It is OEM on many vehicles and >> is well thought of. >> >> I am glad I made the choice and had him install it. >> >> David in Richmond, VA >> >> -----Original Message----- >>>From: Brian Ruiz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>>Sent: Dec 17, 2005 11:34 PM >>>To: UUC Digest <[email protected]> >>>Subject: [UUC] <E36> windshield: OEM or PPG? >>> >>>Hey all, >>> >>>I did a look through the archives, but I thought I'd >>>bring the topic up again to see if thoughts have >>>changed (relatively). I need to replace the >>>windshield in my E36, and although I recall some >>>threads in the not so distant past about windshield >>>brands for replacement, I am unsure what the consensus >>>was (or if there was one) regarding preferred >>>replacement brand. I DO know Levinson likes his OEM >>>glass for all the BMW logos and knicknacks, and a >>>guaranteed fit, but I don't know really know what most >>>others think. :) I do recall hearing that OEM glass >>>is a bit softer/more prone to chips and pits(?) What >>>do you all think? I was thinking also about >>>structural considerations, which I guess are moot if >>>the oem glass is softer and the PPG is harder. >>>Fitment-wise, is the PPG as good (or better) than OEM? >>> Opinions welcome, as well as names of any good >>>windshield installation places in the Los Angeles area >>>that anyone has had very good experience with. ;) >>> >>>Thanks, >>>Brian >>>95 M3 >>> >>>__________________________________________________ >>>Do You Yahoo!? >>>Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around >>>http://mail.yahoo.com >>>Search the >> ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >>> >>> >>>_______________________________________________________________________ >> ___ >>>In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW >> CCA. >>> >>>UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >>>Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >>>908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com >> >> Search the >> ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> ________________________________________________________________________ >> __ >> In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW >> CCA. >> >> UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >> Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >> 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com >> >> >> -- >> No virus found in this incoming message. >> Checked by AVG Free Edition. >> Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.13/199 - Release Date: >> 12/13/05 >> >> >> Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] >> >> >> __________________________________________________________________________ >> In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. >> >> UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >> Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >> 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com > >Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > >__________________________________________________________________________ >In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > >UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate >Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! >908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2005 14:47:36 -0500 From: "Gaudio, Stefano" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]>, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [bmwuucdigest] digest(8 messages) Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Dennis you manage to always keep me posted on Formula 1. I was planning to go to their website this afternoon but I guess I don't have to anymore ;-) Big F1 fan (and yes with a name like mine sorry but BMW is my second favorite, FORZA FERRARI! ;-) Ciao Stefano ----------------------------- Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2005 13:25:29 -0500 From: "Dennis Liu" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "911" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "Ferrari List" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "BMW List" <[email protected]> Subject: Formula 1 news shocker [OT] Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Wow. Not to mention that Ferrari is losing one of its big sponsors. This driver shift must mean that Kimi is taking Schumacher's seat at Ferrari in 2007.... Vty, --Dennis Alonso in shock move to McLaren McLaren has shocked the world of Formula One by announcing that World Champion Fernando Alonso will be driving for the team from the start of the 2007 season. Alonso's decision to sign for the Woking-based team means that either Kimi Raikkonen or Juan Pablo Montoya will be moving aside to make way for the Spanish star - which is likely to have a considerable knock-on effect throughout the rest of the drivers market. It will also be interesting to see what effect the announcement has on Alonso's motivation during the 2006 season - when he will still be driving for the Renault team. Juan-Pablo Montoya suffered from a relatively disappointing season in 2004 after it was announced that he would be leaving Williams for McLaren. "It's great that our strong belief in the strength and competitiveness of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes package has been further endorsed by the World Champion," said Ron Dennis, Team Principal of McLaren. "We always make it clear that we want to be the best and the only way of achieving this objective is by attracting the best people, the best drivers and the best sponsors. To be able to announce Vodafone as only McLaren's third title partner in more than 30 years and Fernando's employment within only a few days is fantastic news for the team, our partners, Formula One and the fans." "We are in discussions with our current drivers' Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya regarding the 2007 season", continued Dennis - confirming that one of them is likely to be forced out by the decision. "Both Juan Pablo and Kimi are extremely talented, professional and competitive Formula One drivers and they have and will continue to concentrate on our joint challenge for the Championships." "Fernando and McLaren Mercedes wanted to make the announcement as soon as possible in a controlled and professional manner to allow McLaren Mercedes, Fernando, Kimi and Juan Pablo to focus on the preparations for the 2006 season," states Ron Dennis. "Our aim for next year remains absolutely clear to everybody within the team - we want to win races and be in a position where we might have two Formula One World Champions driving for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes in 2007." "We are pleased to welcome Fernando to the team and look forward to working both with him and our new title sponsor in 2007," said Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "To have a World Champion joining the team is a great endorsement and will create a tremendous amount of excitement. However for now our focus must remain on the 2006 season where we want to go one better than we did in 2005." Speaking about the move, 2005 Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso commented "To become part of a team with such a desire to succeed and passion for performance is a dream come true for any Formula One driver. I am very excited about 2007 and the fantastic opportunity to drive for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. It will be a new beginning for me and a tremendous challenge and from what I have heard about this exciting new Partnership there is something to look forward to. Obviously I will be sad to leave Renault but sometimes possibilities come along which are just too good to miss. I'm pleased that we are able to make this announcement already now as it will allow my current team and I to focus 100 per cent on defending the World Championships next year." ------------------------------ End of [bmwuucdigest] digest(10 messages) **********
