Theissen: BMW a top four team now
BMW Sauber trumpeted their arrival among Formula One's top teams after the first practice session of the season in Australia on Friday
Test driver Sebastian Vettel was third quickest in the morning session at Albert Park while fellow German Nick Heidfeld was fifth in the afternoon.
"The (pre-season) testing times were real and the picture is the same now. We are among the top teams in terms of speed, lap time and that is very encouraging," team boss Mario Theissen told Reuters.
"It's been confirmed today that we are among the top four teams and that means we should be in the top four rows on the grid and then you have a chance to make your way up and earn some good points or even a podium," he added.
BMW finished last season in fifth place overall, behind champions Renault, Ferrari, McLaren and Honda and just a point ahead of Toyota.
While Ferrari and McLaren look like early season pacesetters, Honda and Toyota have been less competitive in testing and were well down the timesheets on Friday.
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