Downforce more important than aerodynamics at Monaco - Rampf

Monaco is an extreme Grand Prix. Willy Rampf, Technical Director of the BMW Sauber Formula One Team, knows all about the demanding race in the small principality. Although the race has always been demanding, the loss of traction control will add another difficulty for the drivers.

This coming weekend, the BMW Sauber F1 Team lines up for the third time at the Monaco Grand Prix. However, there is one premiere for the team: Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica must complete the race for the first time without traction control. "In the absence of traction control, Monaco will be a very special challenge this year for both the drivers and the engineers", says Willy Rampf.

However, the sixth Grand Prix of the year is not just a special one for the drivers. "Traction is all-important at this venue, where accelerating out of so many slow corners puts a really heavy strain on the rear tyres. Only the softest tyre compounds will be used", explains the BMW Sauber F1 Team's Technical Director.

The BMW Sauber F1.08 is excellently prepared for the Grand Prix. "Monaco is also the Formula One race with the lowest average speed, so everyone does all they can to maximise downforce and cooling," says Rampf. "Downforce is more important on this circuit than aerodynamic efficiency. And since on this closed-in street circuit even the smallest mistake can catapult you out of the race at a moment's notice, the drivers have to find a set-up that allows them to steer a very precise line between the barriers. In my view, this circuit should suit us well."