Different strategies, the same goal!

The numerous modifications to the Formula One regulations introduced prior to the 2007 season have already had an impact on the BMW Sauber F1 Team's race strategy in Melbourne. Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld explain the tactics used during the course of a Grand Prix.

Nick and Robert started the first race of the season, the Australian Grand Prix, with different strategies. While Nick contested the first stint on the softer of the two compounds provided by Bridgestone, Robert's BMW Sauber F1.07 was shod with harder tyres on the starting grid. Robert started the race on a heavier fuel load and had to come in for his first pit stop several laps later than Nick.

"Due to the new safety-car regulations, a team can't afford letting both its drivers contest the race on the same strategy," reveals Kubica. "As this might result in having to leave empty-handed, depending on the course of the race. Consequently, you have to play it safe with one of your drivers."

The new safety-car regulations have to be included into a team's strategy. In 2007, drivers cannot pit when the safety car is brought out. Only when the fireld has lined up behind the safety car according to the official race order, can drivers come in for fuel and a fresh set of tyres. Therefore, a safety-car period may turn out to be a negative situation for a driver who is on the soft compound and a light fuel load.

Heidfeld describes the criteria that were crucial for the team's Australian GP strategy "Willy Rampf has the final say. However, his decision is only made once he has discussed the situation with us. When you opt for different race strategies for your two drivers, the driver who turns ou to be the more competitive over the course of the weekend will be the one who contests the race with the most promising strategy."