We can expect great things - Theissen

Before the start of Formula One's European leg in Spain, the BMW Sauber F1 Team is currently reappraising its good form in a series of test sessions in Barcelona. Mario Theissen is expecting more progress from the drives in Spain.

The BMW Sauber F1 Team's test drives in Barcelona are "the most important of the season" for the BMW Motorsport Director. They are the last tests before Formula One celebrates the start of the European season at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Theissen is sure "we can expect great things" from the team's current test sessions. The "Circuit de Catalunya" forms an interesting platform - for races and test drives. "On the one hand, Barcelona is special because every team arrives here with a development package", says Theissen. "On the other hand, it is the circuit that everyone knows best. More kilometres are completed here during the winter than anywhere else."

The F1.08 was not entirely convincing during its first outings in the winter. "The car did not immediately show on the circuit what it had promised in the wind tunnel", recalls Theissen.

In the weeks after the launch, however, the team from Munich and Hinwil put the final touches to the F1.08's successful basic package - and created a truly successful model. "There was never a second when the engineers may have lost their heads", says Theissen. "We have not only made the car faster, but have also learned where we have gaps in our development process. This had a very positive effect in the first three races: we were quick and reliable. This has put us right up there with the top two teams. That we are no longer the third force, but one of the top three, is a massive leap for us."