A good driver is able to adapt - Theissen

The switch to Bridgestone tyres requires all teams to adapt to new circumstances, and this applies particularly to the drivers. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen is, however, certain Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica will master this change.

Two manufacturers provided the teams with tyres during the 2006 season, and the BMW Sauber F1 Team competed on Michelin tyres that year. Now all drivers are required to enter the starting grid on Bridgestone tyres. However, not only drivers already able to gather experience with the Bridgestone tyres last year are at an advantage. "Drivers with a softer style of driving will be more satisfied with the tyres than, for instance, Robert Kubica or Fernando Alonso", Theissen says. "But in the end a good and strong driver will always be able to adapt."

Kubica, who is known for his hard style of driving, comments: "It's true that you have to drive very smoothly and softly with these tyres. That did cause some problems in the beginning, particularly at the entrance to the corners. In other words, if nothing has changed in the car, you won't see me driving as agressively as I did last year."