Theissen anticipates improvements in 2007

This week, the BMW Sauber F1 Team conducted its final testing programme prior to the start of the 2007 Formula One season. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen is satisfied with the results achieved. He anticipates the team will close the gap to the top teams.

During the past two weeks, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has carried out two tests at the 'Bahrain International Circuit', the venue of the third race of the Formula One World Championship in 2007. While the recorded lap times were competitive, on one occasion Nick Heidfeld posted the fastest lap time of all the drivers present, and the third fastest time of the overall test. Consequently, Mario Theissen's assessment of the situation is positive: "So far, we are much closer to the top teams Ferrari, McLaren and Renault than we had anticipated," says Theissen. "We will substantially improve this year."

At the 'Bahrain International Circuit', the BMW Sauber F1 Team not only completed an entire race simulation, but was also able to improve the BMW Sauber F1.07 in many areas. "We are in the process of developing several components for race use," Theissen commented. Regarding the competition, the German adds: "So far, Ferrari and McLaren look like the strongest teams. Both teams have top drivers such as Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa. I'm pleased to say that these two teams are followed by a group of teams including us."