BMW's goals remain unchanged

The German carmaker took over the Sauber team last season to race under its own name in 2006. Despite an increased budget and more infrastructure, BMW set modest goals for their maiden season as a team.

BMW's start to the season has been solid and the team are currently in fifth place in the standings despite a poor San Marino Grand Prix following a strong showing in Australia.

Their goals, however, remain unchanged, says Theissen.

"We only have competed in four races now, that is only the beginning," said Theissen. "Perhaps if we would have a couple of one-two victories under the belt, I would be tempted to set new goals. But that is not the case.

"We have accumulated valuable experience, we have got a couple of points, but we also encountered problems. It was a solid start for a new team, nothing less, but nothing more.

"Before the season we have pointed out that we must move into the right direction, that we evolve. And we did. Our cars sport the number 16 and 17, that means eighth place in the World Championship in 2005.

"Since then we could cut the distance to the quickest car from 1.5 seconds in half. And that was the precise goal for this season.

"The next challenge now is to achieve the same steep development curve as the established top teams."