Development of F1.09 centred on three key areas - Riedl

"The development of the F1.09 centred on three key areas: aerodynamics, optimum tyre utilisation and the integration of KERS," explains Walter Riedl, Managing Director of the BMW Sauber F1 Team, ahead of the new season.

With regard to the optimal utilisation of tyres, provided by technical partner Bridgestone, the switch to slicks was an important aspect. The team collected initial data with the grooveless tyre, which generates far greater grip than its predecessor, over the course of the summer after Bridgestone delivered the first batch of slicks for testing. It quickly became clear that achieving the right weight distribution would play a critical role.

Whereas the front axle for the new car shows only minor differences to the one fitted on its predecessor, the rear axle is an all-new design adapted to the changes in tyre characteristics. The aim was to achieve excellent traction, while at the same time exploiting the lateral force potential of the tyres through an extremely wide band. In addition, the F1.09 should retain the impressive braking stability of the F1.08.

According to Riedl, the development of the car for this season saw the BMW Sauber F1 Team "channel the large reserves of knowledge amassed during the course of last season. The F1.09 contains the combined expertise of a highly motivated team - one which will be pulling out all the stops to fulfil our ambitious aims once again in our fourth year on the F1 grid."