BMW Sauber optimally prepared for Monza

During the course of last week's four-day testing programme at Monza, the BMW Sauber F1 Team gathered vital data for this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. Willy Rampf, the team's Technical Director, describes the characteristics of the "Autodromo Nazionale di Monza".

"The track in the city's Royal Park is the sole remaining high-speed circuit on the calendar," says Rampf. "We develop a special low-downforce aerodynamics package specifically for this race - extremely flat wings allow a top speed of around 350 km/h."

However, top speed isn't the only crucial factor for the 13th round of the 2007 Formula One season. At the same time, the BMW Sauber F1 Team engineers focus on finding a well-balanced setup which will enable Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica to not only go extremely fast but also offer them the chance of cornering at high speeds and keeping their cars under control while braking.

Rampf adds: "The second important factor here is the cars' mechanical set-up, which combines good braking stability with a comparatively smooth ride over the curbs. Our technical preparations for the race have gone very well and we are approaching Monza with high expectations."