BMW worried about their engines in Imola

Both Nick Heidfeld and Jacques Villeneuve suffered from engine problems in the first two rounds of the season, but with a new V8 engine unit for the Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago, both drivers had a strong race, finishing fourth and sixth respecively.

However, that same engine will now need to be used at Imola, and BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen admitted this was a concern for the team.

"Both Nick and Jacques will be using the same BMW P86 engines they finished with in Australia," Theissen said. "With the short development time we had for the new engines, that continues to present a challenge for the team.

"Both engines are still at the stage of development we had reached prior to the race in Melbourne. And, with its high downforce requirement and uphill sections, Imola is a track which generally puts a lot of strain on the engines."

Villeneuve himself admitted this will mean a more conservative approach to his driving.

The Canadian said: "Imola is a fun track, but it is the second race on the engine so we will have to be a little bit careful."

On the chassis side, technical director Willy Rampf said the team will be introducing at Imola a modified rear section on the F1.06 and a new front wing.

"we're also working intensively with our partner Michelin to get a better handle on the problems we've experienced in bringing the tyres back up to temperature," Rampf added.