Formula One is a gigantic technological catalyst for BMW

High-tech is essential in order to be competitive in the fast world of Formula One. Innovative technology also plays a big role in the allure of motor sport's elite class. As BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says, Formula One is a gigantic "technological catalyst" for BMW. Implementing the high-tech on the track is the challenge facing the BMW Sauber F1 Team on a daily basis.

"The challenge lies in networking all these highly complex tools in such a way that ultimately results in a superior car", says Theissen. The BMW Sauber F1 Team's first two years were a development phase. During thee two years, the driving pair of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica collected podium finishes and picked up numerous world championship points that showed that the team from Munich and Hinwil was moving in the right direction.

In the F1.08, Nick and Robert now have a car, with which they have been able to break the stranglehold of the top two teams in Formula One. The continuous development work has paid off - and the BMW Sauber F1 Team can now compete with the teams at the top of Formula One in terms of development speed. "The technology is fascinating, but the real fascination lies in the rapid developments and advances demanded by the highly competitive nature of Formula One", says Theissen. "There is simply no comparable environment for an engineer."

This sentiment is shared by Willy Rampf, Technical Director of the BMW Sauber F1 Teams. "Formula One offers a broad spectrum of technologies, from aerodynamics through materials technologies to electronics, electrics and crash safety", believes the German. "This is an extremely wide spectrum, which is probably not open to engineers operating in any other field of endeavour."