Drivers: Robert Kubica (5), Nick Heidfeld (6) Team: Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport director), Walter Riedl (Managing Director), Willy Rampf (Technical coordinator), Markus Duesmann (HP), Christoph Zimmermann (CD), Williams Toet (HA), Beat Zehnder (TM)
A place to discuss the characteristics of the cars in Formula One, both current as well as historical. Laptimes, driver worshipping and team chatter do not belong here.
It's interesting that last year BMW was by far the most talked-about car, with lots of intesresting aero bits. They were also having lots of trouble with the car in pre-season (especially Heidfeld hated the handling). This year they are completely silent - perhaps they are feeling very confident? They've been quick and reliable in all tests so far, and they were the first team to test the new aero already before christmas (which could prove an even bigger advanatage now that the winter tests are being rained-out). I feel BMW could be a dark horse in the upcoming championship.
Their incessant focus on reliability is what gives me the most confidence in BMW. This year they seem to have taken it to the extreme by designing a very simple car aerodynamically and focusing a lot of their attention on making KERS as perfect as possible.
However, that seems to bore most people on this forum!
Yes, reliability is likely to be a much greater factor this season than previous seasons. BMW finally made their car very reliable last year, and it seems like they wish to carry that form into 2009.
Remember that Kubica was leading the championship at the half-way point of the 2008 season; this year with a few more DNF's from the opposition he could perhaps keep that lead all the way and steal a championship...
Does anyone have any pictures from the last few tests for BMW. I haven't heard much from them in the way of preseason development other than some good times. Did they get it so right the first time they don't feel the need to try anything new or are they just keeping their cards tightly to their chest? The only development I recall is their sidepod wing/mirror mounting a la Ferrari. Let me know if I've missed anything else.
"Time is a waste of life, life is a waste of time. So, lets get wasted all of the time and have the time of our lives" George Carlin
Roland Ehnström wrote:Yes, reliability is likely to be a much greater factor this season than previous seasons. BMW finally made their car very reliable last year, and it seems like they wish to carry that form into 2009.
Remember that Kubica was leading the championship at the half-way point of the 2008 season; this year with a few more DNF's from the opposition he could perhaps keep that lead all the way and steal a championship...
I don't think he needs to steal it this year. Their car looks so good I think they'll be right up there, if not the team to beat straight up.
I hope so! With the McLaren situation looking grim, I hope there are a couple other teams there to challenge Ferrari. BMW could definately be one of them.
To praise BMW for reliability of the last season would be like counting the chickens before hatching. I would be happy if they do good but I would not discount Mc Laren for some serious sand bagging. If the arrogant silver bullits were disgraced by Ross Brawn I would certainly have a nice drink on him and his team.
Formula One's fundamental ethos is about success coming to those with the most ingenious engineering and best ..............................organization, not to those with the biggest budget. (Dave Richards)
Formula One's fundamental ethos is about success coming to those with the most ingenious engineering and best ..............................organization, not to those with the biggest budget. (Dave Richards)