Extensive development work prior to the Spanish GP

The San Marino GP's cancellation has resulted in an unusually long break in the Formula One calendar. After the first three rounds of the season, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has to wait four weeks for round four, the Spanish GP. Mario Theissen explains how the team uses this break.

"First it was race by race - and now we're in a four-week break," says BMW Motorsport Director, Theissen. "The teams use this break for a 'breather' and some extensive development work at the same time. And this also applies to us. We will take a lot of new components to Spain, new parts for the drive train and chassis. And I hope that we will make a bigger step than our rivals."

Theissen himself, however, is a busy man even in the weeks without a Formula One race. On Saturday, for instance, he travelled to the Nürburgring to watch Nick Heidfeld's outing on the legendary Nordschleife. "My personal time schedule is tight," he admits. "On Saturday I witnessed Nick driving on the Nordschleife, next weekend I'll be in Zandvoort for the World Touring Car Championship races. And then, we will hit the road for Barcelona."

In the run-up to the Spanish Grand Prix, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will be testing at the 'Circuit de Catalunya'. From 30th April to 2nd May, the drivers of the Munich and Hinwil based squad will complete their preparations for the fourth round of the season.