Real differences not clear until Malaysia - Rampf

For the BMW Sauber F1 Team, the Australian Grand Prix was a successful first insight into the performance of the F1.08. However Willy Rampf, the Technical Director of the team from Munich and Hinwil, is expecting the Malaysian Grand Prix to give a more precise indication of the team's performance level.

"The Albert Park circuit, with its distinctive characteristics, is not very representative", says Rampf. "And so I believe we won't get a reliable picture of the true balance of power until after the Malaysian Grand Prix."

Unlike the circuit in Melbourne, parts of which consist of public streets, the "Sepang International Circuit" is a thoroughbred racetrack. The many, varied turns place great demands on the cars' tuning.

"The slow sections require plenty of traction, while high stability levels are crucial, particularly for the many fast corners", explains the German. "Good aerodynamic efficiency is another essential. In Sepang, moreover, the rear tyres come in for a great deal of punishment, which will be exacerbated further by the absence of traction control."