Formula One news

Theissen: "Things are looking good"

BMW's Mario Theissen believes the team is in good shape following the completion of their pre-season testing programme for 2009. The season gets underway in Melbourne in less than two weeks, as new regulations surrounding KERS, slick tyres and moveable wings come into play for the first time.

"The engineers have had to adjust to fundamental changes," the BMW Motorsport Director explained. "The modifications to the cars' aerodynamics are so important that the engineers really did have to start again with a blank sheet of paper; it has been a huge challenge, which has come in a short space of time so the development work is very impressive."

The Kinetic Energy Recovery System is the latest in Formula 1 technology, with some teams having already announced that they will not be taking the under developed device with them to the first race in Australia. "We've got our KERS to the stage where it is race ready, meaning we can use it in Melbourne," confirmed Theissen. Although the system hinders cars because of its extra weight, he explained how the counter-balance of performance can make up the difference in performance: "The drivers should have an extra 82 horsepower at their disposal for 6.6 seconds every lap." If successful, KERS will allow drivers to make use of this boost in power, mostly to aid passing during the Grands Prix.

In what is a crucial time economically for the sport, Dr. Theissen is positive towards both his team's future and F1 as a whole: "Our common aim is to reduce costs without taking away the ingredients that make Formula One so captivating and attractive. The top category of motor racing remains a unique mixture of cutting-edge technology, sport, business and glamour. However, times have changed and we have to adapt accordingly - I think our sport is heading in the right direction."

BMW starts its fourth season in 2009 having taken over from the independent Sauber team; the team impressed in 2006 with gradual improvements over the next two seasons which included a pole and race win for Robert Kubica last year. "We're following a long-term timetable," Theissen confirmed. "In our first year we set out to finish regularly in the points, in year two we wanted to record podium finishes and in our third year we were aiming to notch up our first victory. We have achieved all of these ambitions aims. In 2009 we are looking to take the next and most difficult step yet: to fight for the World Championship title."

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