Heidfeld and Klien on testing duty for BMW Sauber

Due to heavy fog early in the morning, the BMW Sauber F1 Team did not start today’s testing until around 11.00 hrs. Nick Heidfeld and Christian Klien ran two F1.08B interim cars featuring a modified 2008 chassis with some of the bodywork complying to the 2009 regulations.

Only Klien’s car was fitted with BMW’s own KERS device. His test schedule was curtailed by a precautionary engine change. The Austrian stopped off track when sensors indicated a mechanical problem.

Heidfeld today concentrated on setup work with the suspension as well as the new aero package. Although the session came to a premature end when it started to rain at around 15.00 hrs, he collected valuable data with the F1.08B running on 2009 slick tyres. “Based on the results of the last test in Barcelona we changed the mechanical setup of the car,” Heidfeld said. “It looks like we are moving in the right direction.”

What comes next:
The BMW Sauber F1 Team will continue testing in Jerez for two more days. Tomorrow Nick Heidfeld will again be at the wheel of the BMW Sauber F1.08B, along with Robert Kubica. On Thursday Robert Kubica and Christian Klien will be on duty.

Nick Heidfeld
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08B-03 / BMW 86/9
Test kilometres today: 217 km (49 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:20.678 min

Christian Klien
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08B-06 / BMW 86/9 KERS
Test kilometres today: 67 km (15 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:22.098 min