BMW aim to keep momentum in Bahrain

Although the team endured a troubled start to testing with their new F1.08 car, their form at the start of the season has been impressive, with two second places in Australia and Malaysia.

Now Theissen wants to keep the level of performance in the third round of the championship in Sakhir.

"Our bottom line after the first batch of overseas races looks pretty good: we're very happy with our two second places in Melbourne and Sepang, our first fastest race lap in Malaysia and 19 points in the championship," said Theissen in a team preview.

"So, after a brief pitstop back home, we will be heading for Bahrain well motivated. We aim to keep up the same level of performance as we've shown so far."

Technical director Willy Rampf admitted the team have taken a step forward compared to last season, although he was cautious when judging BMW's position in the pecking order yet.

"Our two strong performances in Australia and Malaysia confirm that we are on the right track with our development of the F1.08 and have taken a leap forward," he said.

"But I wouldn't like to commit myself to any hierarchical order at the moment. For that we will have to wait for another race or two."