Rampf expects 'thrilling' Spanish GP

The "Circuit de Catalunya" is well-known terrain for all the teams involved in Formula One. Nonetheless, the 4.655-kilometre track, located close to Barcelona, remains a challenge, particularly when it comes to aerodynamics.

In the past week, the BMW Sauber F1 Team spent four days testing at the "Circuit de Catalunya" - and was joined by many other Formula One teams as they made use of this opportunity to test the latest improvements for their cars.

Consequently, Willy Rampf, the BMW Sauber F1 Team's Technical Director, expects the Spanish Grand Prix to be a thrilling race. "Everyone has made progress," he says, "But the key question is: how much compared to the competition? That's why it's set to be a very interesting race and one that will also point the way ahead for the coming weeks and months."

Strong winds represent one of the most disturbing factors at Barcelona. Therefore, the engineers in the pits will have to work flat-out, constantly optimising the BMW Sauber F1.08's set-up. "The balance has to be adjusted consistently," explains Rampf. "The many medium-fast and high-speed corners demand a great deal of downforce, which means the tyres come in for some serious punishment. That's why we use the hardest compounds, here."