BMW Sauber starts testing

Today, the BMW Sauber F1 Team commenced a four-day test programme in Barcelona. Nick Heidfeld and team mate Jacques Villeneuve completed a total of 165 laps at the 'circuit de Catalunya', Barcelona in Spain.

In sunny weather and with temperatures ranging from 4 to 16 degrees, Nick completed a total of 82 laps while Jacques recorded one more. Four drivers were timed in Barcelona and the Canadian piloting the BMW Sauber F1.06 achieved the fastest lap time, a 1:17:230. Behind the wheel of the interim Sauber C24B, Nick fastest lap time was clocked at 1:18:471.

On day one of the test programme, the BMW Sauber F1 Team evaluated different aerodynamic configurations. Nick predominantly practiced starts to gather data. In the afternoon, he tested several tyre specifications. At the same time, Jacques worked on the basic set-up of the new BMW Sauber F1.06 and made some aerodynamic measurements. Testing will continue tomorrow.