Turkey preview quotes: BMW

"The race in 2006 was disappointing. Sixth place on the grid was good, but I was hit by Giancarlo Fisichella in the first corner and ultimately only just managed to coax a damaged car across the finishing line.

"The circuit does have overtaking possibilities, which is very good. It has an extremely long straight and there are slow and high-speed corners. Turn 8 is a favourite of mine: it's very fast and difficult."

Robert Kubica: "An amazing circuit - Turn 8 has already staked its claim to fame. Most drivers find this section quite a challenge. It is very long and in fact consists of four different bends. It's great fun as soon as you've got your line sorted out.

"The circuit can also be pretty vicious, because occasionally you bottom out, lose traction and the car becomes unstable. We weren't particularly fast there in 2006. I hope things will look better in 2007."

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director: "The short summer break has been a welcome one for our race and testing team. The mechanics and engineers in particular were glad of at least a few days off after the energy-sapping weeks and months.

"But, of course, work continued full speed ahead in Munich and Hinwil even after the race in Hungary. Having established ourselves as the third strongest team in the constructors' championship and built up a decent buffer of points between us and our nearest rivals, we certainly don't want to relinquish that position for the remainder of the season.

"The Turkish GP is a positive addition to the Formula One calendar. They have created an excellent facility with a highly successful track layout on the Asian side of Istanbul. For the team's partners, the city itself offers plenty of event opportunities.

"Logistically, as well, this GP is exceptional, involving the furthest distance for the teams with their trucks and motorhomes to travel from central Europe. The situation is eased a little thanks to the break that precedes this long trek."

Willy Rampf, Technical Director: "The Istanbul Park offers everything you need for an interesting circuit. It has slow sections that demand good traction, but there is also the notorious Turn 8, for example, which consists of four parts but is taken in one line at around 250 km/h.

"Due to long, partly uphill straights, the choice on this circuit is for a medium downforce level. High aerodynamic efficiency is the key to fast lap times. On account of its various corner combinations, the Istanbul Park is a challenging track from a driver's point of view and calls for precise handling.

"In our recent races we were very strong and have further improved the F1.07, and so I anticipate another good showing on the part of our team."