Formula One news

Kubica looking forward to Bahrain

Robert Kubica is optimistic ahead of year's Bahrain Grand Prix, and his return to the venue at which he claimed his first ever pole position last year before going on to claim a podium in the race. The 2009 season has not begun in the fashion the team would have liked, with just four points so far, but the Hilwil-based outfit is confident that improvements will come.

"I am looking forward to going to Bahrain," Kubica said. "Overall I really like the track, although it is not really challenging. It has a couple of long straights and three characteristically low-speed corners that require heavy braking. Wind can play an important role in Sakhir as it influences the balance of the car. It also blows sand onto parts of the track, which leads to changing grip conditions." Bahrain first made an appearance in 2004, having been designed by Hermann Tilke and including track building materials extracted from Wales.

BMW is one of three teams to have already visited the Sakhir circuit this year, after testing with Ferrari and Toyota in February. Despite sandstorms eliminating entire days of running, the cars still clocked up significant mileage at the test. "In Bahrain we aim to bring the first major overseas stint to a positive end," team principal Dr. Mario Theissen continued. "It also marks the end of the second set of back-to-back races within five weeks. After our appearance in Shanghai we are now heading for another region that is important to BMW; for us, as a manufacturer in the premium sector, the Middle East is also a very significant market."

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