A productive day for the BMW Sauber F1 Team

As this is only the second test with the Bridgestone Potenza tyres for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, naturally the focus has been on collecting more data with the new rubber. Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel kicked off a new week of winter testing at Jerez for the BMW Sauber F1 Team.

Robert Kubica Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.06B-05 / BMW P86 V8
Test kilometres today: 323 km (73 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:21.087 min. (on lap 55)

Sebastian Vettel Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.06B-04 / BMW P86 V8
Test kilometres today: 341 km (77 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:22.071 min. (on lap 54)

As this is only the second test with the Bridgestone Potenza tyres for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, naturally the focus has been on collecting more data with the new rubber. In the morning the team used the poor track conditions to run the new wet-weather tyres for the first time. From noon onwards both cars ran on drys. To start with the team concentrated on confirming the results from the first Bridgestone test, which took place in Barcelona last week. Then they introduced changes to set-up parameters in order to learn more about the new tyres. Robert was using the new SSG gearbox while Sebastian had the standard transmission in his car. It was a productive and almost trouble-free day. The only incident took place in the morning when Robert went off the track into the gravel after oil leaked onto his tyres.

What comes next:
Tomorrow Nick Heidfeld will take over test duties from Sebastian with the 04 chassis. Nick’s programme will consist of set-up work and testing new dampers. Robert will continue to test the SSG gearbox and also carry out other mechanical system checks. The team is hoping to record some good mileage tomorrow as rain is forecast for Friday, the third and final day of testing.