The main prerequisite for BMW's comeback to Formula One in 2000 was to generate synergies between F1 and series development. It was for this reason that development of the Formula One powertrain and electronics was integrated at the Munich plant, with the BMW Research and Innovation Centre (FIZ) playing a pivotal role. The F1 factory was set up less than a kilometre away from the think tank and the two formed a close network. "The FIZ represents the future of BMW," states Mario Theissen. "Here you have the most capable engineers working in state-of-the-art research and development facilities. The FIZ has vast resources at its disposal, from which we benefit directly. Conversely, with its extreme technical challenges and the requisite pace of development, the company's F1 involvement represents a unique testing ground for our technicians."