Formula One news

BMW happy with early pace

With its reserve and test driver, Robert Kubica, setting the fastest time of the day in glorious sunshine, the BMW Sauber F1 Team had a very positive first practice day at Silverstone. On top of that both Jacques Villeneuve and Nick Heidfeld had two trouble free practice sessions. Celebrating the fact Jacques married his fiancée, Johanna, last week for today only the rear wing of his car displayed the words 'Just Married'. 

"It was a good Friday and we have done a lot of tyre testing," said Kubica. "I think our performance after the Barcelona test last week looked pretty okay. We saw there we were quite strong on long runs and today has confirmed this. The tyre choice will not be easy, but we have a lot of data. We are now going to analyse it, but the track conditions are very different now to when we were here a month ago. It was not really quick today, so we have to take into consideration that the grip will improve and decide on the best tyres."

Villeneuve commented, "On the first run the first two laps were quite quick on what is normally a very slow beginning to a race weekend, so it is promising. Then I think we destroyed the rear tyres, so we need to work on the set up. Despite this I think we will be all right."

Heidfeld added, "Driving here on the Silverstone circuit is always fun. We have had a trouble free practice so far, and now we will work on improving the balance of the car as it is a little nervous at the rear. Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): It was a positive first day of practice. Robert did not only complete a very large programme, but he also achieved excellent results. I am not only referring to his best time of the day, but also his contribution to the tyre choice and the set-up of the car. I believe this information will form a good basis for our preparation for qualifying and the race."

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