'BMW Sauber F1 on a good way'

Apart from contesting in the World Touring Car Championship, BMW Team Italy-SPain driver Alessandro Zanardi attentively follows what's going on in Formula One and is particularly interested in the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

Zanardi has been a Formula One driver himself, contesting 41 races at the pinnacle of motor racing. Therefore, he knows the challenges a new Formula One team has to cope with. "It's extremely difficult to just be a part of Formula One and build up a powerful squad," explains the Italian. "But it's far more demanding if you want to battle at the front end of the grid and to win races."

When it comes to the debut season of the new BMW Sauber F1 Team, however, Zanardi is optimistic. "BMW has got the potential to make it to the very top in Formula One," says Zanardi. "Taking a look at the times set in the tests, I'd say that the BMW Sauber F1 Team is quicker than I expected it to be. However, this is no wonder, with that many gifted and experienced people being part of the project."

Currently, the 39-year-old is busy preparing for the 2006 FIA WTCC season. In 2005, he celebrated his maiden WTCC win at Oschlersleben.