BMW in final push to help Kubica

Kubica had been 20 points adrift of Lewis Hamilton heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, but the troubles suffered by the McLaren driver and Ferrari allowed Kubica to close the gap down to 12 points.

With two races to go, Kubica has urged his team not to let their surprise opportunity slip from their grasp.

And BMW Sauber technical director Willy Rampf has made it clear that the team will make every effort they can to deliver what he wants.

"As long as there is theoretically still a chance to win the world championship, then we will not sleep," explained Rampf. "We'll try and do what's possible in this short space of time."

Although there is no testing between now and the end of the season, and no major updates planned for the F1.08, Rampf believes progress can be made in the way the team approach races.

"We'll try to really concentrate on every detail of the preparation for these races. There won't be any big updates, but we can make small changes, and we can try to use the potential of the tyres in a more perfect way."

Any steps to improve the speed of the BMW Sauber will be vital, with Renault having come on so strong in recent races - and Rampf suspecting the R28 may now be quicker than their car.

"In Singapore, they (Renault) had good pace but they benefited from the race situation. Here, they were strong throughout the weekend, and slightly stronger than us. We'll try to fight back in the last two races."

When asked if he was surprised BMW Sauber were in the position they are in, Rampf said: "I can't say we expected to be so close to the leading teams at two races before the end of the season. It's overall very nice"