Positive first test for '04 BMW F1 engine

Speaking ahead of the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim this weekend, Theissen claims that the first dynometer test was a successful one, as the German manufacturer aims to steal a march on its opposition next season.

"We're well on schedule," said Theissen. "Last year saw the engine for the next season started up on the test bench for the first time on July 31. This year it sprang into life a few days earlier. This is the most exciting point in the season for the engineers designing the engine. Just as last year, everything ran smoothly for the first test run."

Engines will have to be made to survive the rigours of the entire race weekend next year, as part of a plan by the sport's governing body, the FIA, to cut costs in F1.

"This new factor exerted a very substantial influence," said Theissen. "The regulation effectively doubles running time from 400- to 800-kilometres. This means that each individual part has to be designed to be more stable. That affects the design, selection of materials, and manufacturing processes. The fact that in 2003 we were already having to compete in the second qualifying session and the race with a single engine was excellent experience for the P84."