Testing is the key to fine-tune the F1.08 for racing success

Since the launch of the BMW Sauber F1.08 in January, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has pressed ahead with extensive development of the car. Before being used in races, new components and other innovations have to prove themselves in testing.

A glance at the testing mileage covered in the 2008 to date underlines the significance of the tests for the ongoing improvement of the BMW Sauber F1 Team's challenger. Altogether, the team's Grand Prix aces and its test drivers, Christian Klien und Marko Asmer, have completed more than 4,000 laps at the wheel of the BMW Sauber F1.08, representing a total mileage of around 18,000 kilometres. During the summer break, however, which ends with the European Grand Prix, testing is banned.

The Munich and Hinwil based squad carried out the major part of its testing work in Spain. At Barcelona, Valencia and Jerez, the team contested 29 of its 38 days of testing with the F1.08 thus far, with the "Circuit de Catalunya" clearly representing the BMW Sauber F1 Team's No 1 test venue. There, it covered a total distance of more than 7,000 kilometres. In the meantime, the squad has also been testing at Le Castellet, the former French Grand Prix circuit, as well as at the current Formula One tracks, Silverstone and Hockenheim.

According to the FIA's sporting regulations, every Formula One team may cover a total testing mileage of 30,000 kilometres per season.