Heidfeld impressed by technological possibilities in his sport

The Formula One project at BMW is closely linked with series production. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica are not the only ones to profit from the innovation of the BMW engineers - BMW customers around the world also benefit.

In view of the many changes facing motor sport's elite class in 2009, BMW is banking on the closeness of series production and the Formula One project. One particular interface is the BMW Research and Innovation Center (FIZ). It is the birthplace of all BMW production cars, and its resources and capacities are also available to Formula One engineers.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen explains: "There exists a very close relationship between our project and the various technologies developed by FIZ. This applies across the board, from the foundry and sub-assembly of components to electronics and electrics. New challenges such as KERS will ensure that Formula One will adopt an even more pioneering role for production car development in the future."

The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers are also impressed by the technological possibilities in their sport. "Although I am right in the centre of the project, I don't understand everything", admits Nick Heidfeld, who greatly appreciates the work performed by the engineers. "Whenever I go to Hinwil, or particularly to Munich where the entire power train is developed and built, I am absolutely amazed. There is always so much effort going into things, so many detailed activities on the go, and special research and development projects that, even as an insider, I am constantly fascinated."