Formula One news

BMW updates could make difference

The BMW team is pinning its chances on major aerodynamic upgrades ahead of next weekend's Grand Prix of Spain. The Swiss-German team will be taking the parts to Barcelona as the European season of 2009 gets underway at a track on which a large portion of off-season testing is completed.

"The track is nice to drive and quite challenging," Robert Kubica explained, who has so far scored no points this season. ""I am looking forward to the race in Barcelona. As all Formula One teams have tested in Barcelona, I expect the pack to be very close together - even closer than up to now. We will bring a new aero package and we hope to improve significantly compared to our recent performance, as it is our goal to close the gap to the top teams."

Willy Rampf, BMW head of engineering

Nick Heidfeld lies ninth in the standings, currently with four points, after finishing an opportunistic second in Malaysia and handed with half points from the stopped race. "Like everybody in the team, I am also placing my hopes on our new aerodynamic upgrades," the German confirmed. "The team has put an incredible amount of energy into trying to close the gap to the leaders. I hope we will perform rather better against our rivals in Barcelona, but that's difficult to predict as all the teams will be bringing upgrade packages of varying degrees to the first race of the European season."

The team's head of engineering, Willy Rampf, went on to explain the principal changes to the F1.09 for the high downforce challenges of the Circuit de Catalunya. "The nose section, more deeply undercut sidepods and the rear wing are all totally new. Added to which, modifications have also been made to the front wing, engine cover and underbody. We expect these improvements to significantly reduce our lap times."

more news

• 07 Nov.
  • Alonso enjoys first Ferrari factory visit
  • Brawn looking forward to Senna debut
• 06 Nov.
  • Follow GPUpdate.net on Twitter!
  • Wind tunnel operator sues Force India
  • Toyota-assisted Kobayashi eyeing Lotus seat
  • Sutil: Abu Dhabi 'a shame' for Force India
  • Lee McKenzie's End of Season Review 2009
  • Lotus wanting experienced drivers
  • Anthony Hamilton: Räikkönen the best option for McLaren
• 05 Nov.
  • Renault decision to come in December
  • GPUpdate TV: Vettel receives sports car prize
  • Ecclestone: 2 days for Silverstone to sign
  • Etihad and Aldar to pay damages to Force India
  • 'F1 organisers to blame for lost teams' - Ferrari
  • Hülkenberg to test Williams next month
• 04 Nov.
  • FIA warns again: Credit crunch will win
  • Renault holds emergency meeting about F1 future
  • FOTA thanks Toyota's Howett
  • Ekström beats Schumacher for Race of Champions
  • Hülkenberg targeting Barrichello pace
  • Photos: Race of Champions 2009
  • Pirelli not interested in F1
  • Vettel and Schumacher win ROC Nations Cup
  • Toyota highlights reasons for F1 exit
  • Official: Toyota leaves Formula One
  • An interview with Kamui Koabayshi
• 03 Nov.
  • 'Toyota set to end Formula 1 project'
  • Red Bull to announce engine partner 'very shortly'
  • Schumacher: Comeback was for Felipe
  • Trulli on lookout for clear racing rules
  • Räikkönen too expensive, says Brawn
  • Horner aware of 2010 challengers
  • Michael: Hülkenberg following Hamilton-like path
• 02 Nov.
  • Brawn thanks Barrichello for contribution
  • Kubica to drive in French rally
  • 2010: The grid so far
  • Alonso won't drive Ferrari until February
  • Williams confirms Barrichello and Hülkenberg for 2010
  • Optimism at Renault for next year
  • Whitmarsh: 2010 McLaren quicker than 2009 car

Homepage