Rampf confident towards Bahrain

"I expect we should be able to strengthen our position as the third force in Formula One," says Willy Rampf, Technical Director of the BMW Sauber F1 Team. To achieve this goal, a well-balanced setup for the two BMW Sauber F1.07's will be necessary.

Like the 'Sepang International Circuit', venue of last weekend's Malaysian Grand Prix, the circuit in Bahrain is one of the newer venues on the Formula One calendar. It features a diversified layout with long straights, fast bends and slow sections, thus representing a demanding challenge when it comes to setting up the cars.

"As regards the aerodynamics, we have to make a compromise," explains Rampf. "In the slow corners, high downforce would be ideal but at the same time, you have the long, wide straights where the drivers need a high top speed for overtaking."

Having contested two three-day tests at the 'Bahrain International Circuit' in late February and early March the BMW Sauber F1 Team can refer to a massive load of data that should prove significant during the preparations for the race in Bahrain. "After the pre-season tests, we have a solid basis for the set-up of the car," confirms Rampf.

The fastest lap time achieved by a BMW Sauber F1 Team driver during the Bahrain tests was posted by Nick Heidfeld, who crossed the line in 1:30:469 minutes on 23rd February. The pole-sitter for the 2006 Bahrain GP, Michael Schumacher, lapped the 5.414-kilometre circuit in 1:31:431 minutes.