Great fun working with young drivers - Theissen

With Robert Kubica, Sebastian Vettel and Timo Glock, the BMW Sauber F1 Team can rely on the services of three gifted young racing drivers. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen talks about working with the youngsters and the importance of race experience.

"It's great fun working with young drivers," says Theissen. "Day by day, you see them improving and learning something new." Though testing and practice sessions represent a vital part of the young-driver's learning curve, it's just as important that they also prove their skills while battling it out man against man. "For both Sebastian and Timo it's vital to keep on gathering race experience," adds Theissen. "Timo does so in the GP2 Series, and Sebastian contests the Renault World Series. This race involvement is essential."

At the same time, Theissen is of the opinion that it isn't helpful for the development of up-and-coming drivers that only two cars may be used in the Friday sessions of the Formula One weekends this season. "I think it's a pity that the Friday sessions aren't held as pure test sessions where you could use - for instance - three cars," he admits. "To date, we have been the only big team to offer a test driver the chance of contesting the Friday sessions. Prior to the Spanish Grand Prix, we will meet to discuss our future approach."