Our preparations rely 100% on computer simulation - Rampf

Since the Fuji circuit is new territory for the BMW Sauber F1 Team and the other F1 Teams, the team trusts in comprehensive computer simulations of the circuit in preparation for the F1 race, as Technical Director Willy Rampf confirms.

"As we have never raced at Fuji our preparations for the GP have relied 100 percent on computer simulation," Rampf comments prior to the team's trip to Japan.

In preparation for the event the German was able to rely on the support and the know-how of the computer experts of the BMW Sauber F1 Team: "The computer simulation is based on software programs developed fully by our own specialists. The primary focus during this process was to determine the level of downforce, mechanical set-up, brake specification and gear ratios required for the race."

Despite the fact that Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica have never completed a single kilometre on the Japanese race track, Rampf expects a good start to the 15th race weekend of the season: "Experience has shown that we have reached a high level with our simulation technology. We can therefore expect to have a good baseline set-up already in place on Friday morning, which will allow us to use free practice to concentrate on fine-tuning measures and tyre choice for qualifying and the race on Sunday."