Convinced F1.08 represents another significant step forward - Theissen

Following the launch and initial tests of the new BMW Sauber F1.08, the BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen, has come to a positive initial conclusion. On Friday, BMW will participate in the Barcelona test session.

"We are convinced that the BMW Sauber F1.08 represents another significant step forward," says Mario Theissen, regarding the BMW Sauber F1 Team's new challenger which was publicly launched in Munich's 'BMW Welt' on 14th January.

Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica completed the first tests with the new car at Valencia and they are determined to secure the BMW Sauber F1 Team's maiden Grand Prix win this season. "We are aware that realising this goal will be anything but easy," admits Theissen. "After all, the two teams ahead of us are not only the most competitive on the grid but also more experienced than anybody else. Consequently, we have to expect that they also have made progress with their new cars."

However, Mario Theissen enters the new motor-racing season in an optimistic mood. "We are very confident that we have got what it takes to turn the duel involving the two teams ahead of us into a three-way battle."