We can't do without testing

At the Australian Grand Prix, the BMW Sauber F1 Team was rewarded for the hard work conducted in recent months. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen, however, stresses that this success is no reason to start relaxing.

Three weeks from now, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will enter the first race of the European season, the fourth race of the year, which is held in Imola. The BMW Sauber F1 Team will use these three weeks for a short break, followed by extensive preparations for the next race. "Following our return from Melbourne, we will all have the opportunity to take a short breath before equipping the car with several modifications for the San Marino Grand Prix," reveals Theissen.

To be perfectly prepared for the race in Imola, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will conduct extensive testing in Le Castellet, France. "Currently we just can't do without testing," Theissen admits. "At the moment we're still a relatively small team and therefore, it's particularly vital for us to match the development pace of the top teams during the season."

In order to be able to do that, the BMW Sauber F1 Team is working around the clock. The team is keen on establishing the fifth place it currently holds in the Constructors' Championship, but at the same time, it is focused on the future. "We have to compete in the races while simultaneously designing the car for the 2007 season," explains Theissen. "We have already begun with our 2007 challenger's design but we also have to enhance our 2006 car from race to race to defend or even improve our position."