Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Still more to do with F1.08, says BMW duo

BMW Sauber duo Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica think that there is still plenty of room for improvement with their new F1.08, despite making progress in overcoming early balance woes

The team's 2008 challenger had a difficult first few tests, with the drivers unhappy about its balance, but appeared to enjoy a step forward in form at Barcelona last weekend.

And although the laptimes suggest the team are back on track with their car, Heidfeld and Kubica both think big steps are still needed if the team are to achieve their aims for the season.

"We have learned a bit about the car and it seems to be a bit more competitive," Heidfeld told autosport.com. "We can place the car better, although it is still not as good as I want or as consistent as I want.

"And overall it is still not what we hoped for or expected. But at least we are now in a comfortable window."

When asked whether a good test at Jerez next week would prove the team are in reasonable shape, Heidfeld said: "The problem is, what does reasonable mean? We want to be quick.

"It is too early to say how we are doing, as we don't know the car well enough yet. It looks like it suits Barcelona a bit better, but there are so many bits coming to the first race that it is too early to make predictions."

Kubica is philosophical about the problems the team have faced, but adamant that BMW will get them sorted out.

"I think we were a bit disappointed about what we have seen, but it is better to see it now than later," he said. "Now we see where we have to go, in which direction, and we will work to improve.

"I think we were in a better situation last year at the same point, in terms of performance compared to the other teams.

"And of course our ambitions are much higher because, after a good season like last year, the target went up. So we have to work as hard as possible, especially now, to improve. And I am hoping that in Melbourne we will be on the pace.

"The top men here know how to build a quick car. Last year showed we have good people and have a very good car, and now we have to repeat that.

"I am sure that the new car has the potential, now we need to just work as hard as possible. I am convinced that we will be ready."

Kubica said the new car was a clear step forward over the F1.07 in terms of its braking stability.

"I think we must have missed something last year, because I think the car is much more consistent and better under braking without the (electronic) systems," said Kubica. "I find it much more stable than last year.

"I can drive looking more toward to the corner where I want to put the car, rather than thinking about where I will end up because of the braking stability problems."

Be part of the Autosport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Barcelona boss downplays racism row
Next article Raikkonen sets blistering pace in Bahrain

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe