BMW cut Imola test short

After two days of rain, the team were hoping for better weather today, but it was not the case and neither Jacques Villeneuve nor test driver Robert Kubica were able to complete any timed laps.

Villeneuve was nonetheless pleased with their work at Imola.

"Apart from the bad weather in Imola, pre-season testing went quite well because we did a lot of laps and we didn't have too many mechanical problems," said Villeneuve. "We did a race simulation, which we completed, and did even more laps than a race distance.

"The performance is definitely a big improvement compared to last year. How this compares to the competition is very difficult to judge, but I strongly believe that we are looking better than one year ago. The BMW Sauber F1.06 is easier to handle than last year's car and the BMW engine is very good, very smooth to drive."

Kubica added: "As I am not at all an experienced driver in a Formula One car, the testing opportunities given to me by the team were extremely important. I have been learning a lot. I now understand much more about Formula One already.

"It is not only about the car and driving it, it is also about how to work with the team and with the engineers. After I started testing with the interim car, I feel the BMW Sauber F1.06 is a big improvement. I'm very much looking forward to Bahrain and my new job there."