BMW satisfied with successful European GP

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen looks ahead to the Italian Grand Prix that will be held for the 59th time this weekend. The BMW Sauber F1 Team's record at Monza's 5.793-kilometre circuit is impressive.

Mario Theissen said: "Monza is the classic engine circuit. Since the switchover to V8 engines, the full-throttle percentage per lap has risen to 70 percent. In 2007, Robert recorded the highest top speed of all the drivers in the Royal Park when he hit 351.7 km/h. While Nick will be racing in Italy with the same engine as in Spa, Robert's car is scheduled to be fitted with a new unit.

"So far Monza has been a rewarding venue for our team. In 2006, Robert had his first podium in what was only his third grand prix, and last year Nick and Robert took a nine-point haul to secure our second-best result of the season. For this year's Italian Grand Prix too, we have set our sights just as high.

"The 2008 race in Italy again marks the close of the European season, which has been very successful for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. So far in 2008 we have earned a total of nine podium places and celebrated a one-two in Montreal. It means we've achieved our season's target and established ourselves as one of the top three teams."