Theissen praises new qualifying

The BMW Sauber F1 Team is currently preparing for the Australian Grand Prix. One of the most important goals is to improve the performance of the BMW Sauber F1.06 in qualifying. Overall, the team's reaction to the spectacular new format has been very positive.

"I think it is exciting. It is one hour full of action, three runs, and I think it is the best qualifying format we have ever had," BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said about the new knock-out qualifying format. The German can, however, understand that further improvements to the system are being considered. "You can always talk about refining it, question of going with or without fuel, how to deal with that, but altogether I really like it."

For the drivers, the new qualifying format obviously means a great deal of adjustment. To qualify for one of the top ten positions it is now necessary to show highly concentrated performances and fast laps on three occasions.

BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Jacques Villeneuve explains: "It's quite stressful. It doesn't feel like qualifying because you never sit in the car, figuring out how you are going to get the perfect lap. You just keep doing laps. Bu the fans like it and why not? It's the same for everyone."