Formula One 2008 (Rd.16, JAPANESE GRAND PRIX)
#11
Contributors
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 21,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: Mini Cooper
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Double world champion Fernando Alonso in his Renault and the BMW Sauber of Nick Heidfeld had the seventh and eighth best times in the Barcelona testing.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7263703.stm
just by looking at this news that Alonso is not the same Alonso 2 years ago.
I know that this is still very erly in the test.
even he say that Hamilton could win title this year
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7267412.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7263703.stm
just by looking at this news that Alonso is not the same Alonso 2 years ago.
I know that this is still very erly in the test.
even he say that Hamilton could win title this year
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7267412.stm
#12
Senior Members
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by ITNurse' post='536558' date='Feb 27 2008, 12:30 AM
I'm right there with you MP, I missed racing the minute it was over last season. Can't wait to see what kind of performance the new cars bring. No US GP though and this is the year I was going to Indy.
Shoulda went last year!
![Bashwall](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/bashwall.gif)
I am booked for Montreal, that is a great place for a race, it is a real party city.
#13
Senior Members
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Posts: 6,458
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by pinguhk' post='537735' date='Feb 29 2008, 07:18 PM
Double world champion Fernando Alonso in his Renault and the BMW Sauber of Nick Heidfeld had the seventh and eighth best times in the Barcelona testing.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7263703.stm
just by looking at this news that Alonso is not the same Alonso 2 years ago.
I know that this is still very erly in the test.
even he say that Hamilton could win title this year
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7267412.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7263703.stm
just by looking at this news that Alonso is not the same Alonso 2 years ago.
I know that this is still very erly in the test.
even he say that Hamilton could win title this year
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport...one/7267412.stm
PS: Cars are still under testing, and will still be till half of the season, so lap times at Barcelona don't really mean alot.
#14
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![Formula One 2008 (Rd.16, JAPANESE GRAND PRIX)-250px_takuma_sato_2007__28crop_29.jpg](https://5series.net/forums/attachments/lounge-5/45225d1482365952t-formula-one-2008-rd-16-japanese-grand-prix-250px_takuma_sato_2007__28crop_29.jpg)
From SpeedTV.com,
The Super Aguri team has confirmed that its cars will be on the starting grid for the Australian GP season opener in two weeks? time, despite the squad having failed to appear in a single testing session this year, including this week?s Barcelona test, which the team was originally scheduled to attend.
?The cancellation was because some parts hadn?t arrived in time,? Super Aguri?s co-owner Fumio Akita told Reuters. ?We are usually scrambling to be ready for the start of the season.
?It was very tight last year and this year is following the same pattern. But we will be on the grid for Melbourne. We?re not worried at all about missing out.?
Akita revealed that talks with potential investors to rescue the team are ongoing.
?Talks are still going on and I?m told there are three potential investors,? he said. ?Obviously, we have to think of the future and what?s best for the team.?
#15
Senior Members
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Bahrain
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 525i : Alpine White, Steptronic, Black Interior with Amethyst Leather & Popular Grain Brown, 17" 122-Style Rims, Adaptive Bi-Xenon Headlights, Auto Dimming & Folding Mirrors, Advanced A/C, Sports Steering Wheel, Electrically Adjustable Steering Column, Extended Lighting Package, PDC, Sliding Armrest, Bus Navi, Hi-Fi Sound System (MP3 DVDs), CD Changer, Rear Sunshades..
MODS:M-tech front bumper, Painted Grill, Installed Aux-In, Garage Door Opener (Overhead Compartement), ///M Steering wheel, Wood hand brake trim, Wood gear-shift lever. 35% Tint all around..
Got, ACS Roof Spoiler, but not installed..
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by MiamiPhill' post='536644' date='Feb 27 2008, 05:39 PM
Attachment 45034
According to Spanish newspaper;
Ron Dennis has forcibly relinquished his role as team principal of McLaren, and will be replaced by deputy Martin Whitmarsh, a Spanish newspaper claims. The national sports daily Marca says the decision, compelled by the British team?s engine and equity partner Mercedes-Benz, will shortly be confirmed by means of a press release.
Marca said Mercedes, the German manufacturer that is tipped to shortly take over the entire Woking based team, was angered by Dennis? mishandling of the espionage scandal last year that cost the outfit a lot of money and arguably both 2007 titles.
Dennis, who has overseen McLaren?s ultra-successful reign since the early 1980s, could be given a new position but will not be in a crucial decision-making role, Marca added.
Dennis still owns 15 per cent of McLaren, with the rest of the equity divided between Mercedes, a Bahraini company, and Mansour Ojjeh.
Stay tuned!!
![Embarrassment](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/ohmy.gif)
Ron Dennis has forcibly relinquished his role as team principal of McLaren, and will be replaced by deputy Martin Whitmarsh, a Spanish newspaper claims. The national sports daily Marca says the decision, compelled by the British team?s engine and equity partner Mercedes-Benz, will shortly be confirmed by means of a press release.
Marca said Mercedes, the German manufacturer that is tipped to shortly take over the entire Woking based team, was angered by Dennis? mishandling of the espionage scandal last year that cost the outfit a lot of money and arguably both 2007 titles.
Dennis, who has overseen McLaren?s ultra-successful reign since the early 1980s, could be given a new position but will not be in a crucial decision-making role, Marca added.
Dennis still owns 15 per cent of McLaren, with the rest of the equity divided between Mercedes, a Bahraini company, and Mansour Ojjeh.
Stay tuned!!
![Frown](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/sad.gif)
#16
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The defending World Constructors Champion, Scuderia Ferrari
Drivers: Kimi R?ikk?nen (2007 Drivers Champion)
Felipe Massa (94pts, 4th in 2007)
Base: Maranello, Italy
Chassis: F2008
Engine: Ferrari 056
2.4L V8
740+ hp
19,000 RPM (Limited)
Races Won in 2007: 6 by Kimi
3 by Felipe
Forget all the hoopla about the spy scandal, the most significant thing about Ferrari in 2007 was that they won the world championships for drivers and constructors.
Just think about that for a moment, then cast your mind back to how Kimi Raikkonen became the world?s third Finnish champion at the very last race.
There were signs all the way through that Ferrari weren?t quite themselves in the post-Michael Schumacher era. There were times when the cars lacked their usual bulletproof reliability, when the drivers made mistakes, when the radically long-wheelbased F2007 wasn?t quite up to the job on some types of circuit. They weren?t simply missing Schumacher, they were missing the calming influence of Ross Brawn, too. Yet they came through to win despite all that, and all the politics that raged around the Scuderia and McLaren like a never-ending tornado.
All of which means that, in the calmer seas that must surely characterise 2008, the red cars will be formidable opposition. All through winter testing they have been very quick, and Raikkonen and partner Felipe Massa both believe they have the tools to do the job with a lot less drama this year. Make no mistake, these are the favourites.
Formula1.com
Drivers: Kimi R?ikk?nen (2007 Drivers Champion)
Felipe Massa (94pts, 4th in 2007)
Base: Maranello, Italy
Chassis: F2008
Engine: Ferrari 056
2.4L V8
740+ hp
19,000 RPM (Limited)
Races Won in 2007: 6 by Kimi
3 by Felipe
Forget all the hoopla about the spy scandal, the most significant thing about Ferrari in 2007 was that they won the world championships for drivers and constructors.
Just think about that for a moment, then cast your mind back to how Kimi Raikkonen became the world?s third Finnish champion at the very last race.
There were signs all the way through that Ferrari weren?t quite themselves in the post-Michael Schumacher era. There were times when the cars lacked their usual bulletproof reliability, when the drivers made mistakes, when the radically long-wheelbased F2007 wasn?t quite up to the job on some types of circuit. They weren?t simply missing Schumacher, they were missing the calming influence of Ross Brawn, too. Yet they came through to win despite all that, and all the politics that raged around the Scuderia and McLaren like a never-ending tornado.
All of which means that, in the calmer seas that must surely characterise 2008, the red cars will be formidable opposition. All through winter testing they have been very quick, and Raikkonen and partner Felipe Massa both believe they have the tools to do the job with a lot less drama this year. Make no mistake, these are the favourites.
Formula1.com
#17
Contributors
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: L.A. Burbs
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 08 535i, Platinum Gray, Sport Pkg
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Originally Posted by Member545' post='537906' date='Feb 29 2008, 01:00 PM
I went to Indy last year. Here is a picture of Kimi I took going into the banked turn.
I am booked for Montreal, that is a great place for a race, it is a real party city.
I am booked for Montreal, that is a great place for a race, it is a real party city.
I will try to get to Montreal, I have a friend that goes every year.
Season's almost here.
![Thumbsup](https://5series.net/forums/images/smilies/imported/thumbsup.gif)
#18
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
McLaren Mercedes (Disqualified from Constructors Championship)
Drivers: Lewis Hamilton (109pts, 2nd in 2007)
Heikki Kovalainen (30pts, 7th in 2007)
Testers: Pedro de la Rosa, Gary Paffett
Base: Surrey, UK
Chassis: McLaren MP4-23
Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108V
2.4L V8
740+ hp
19,000 RPM (Limited)
Races Won in 2007: 4 by Lewis, 0 by Heikki
2008 McLaren Launch
2008 McLaren test at Jerez
No team in history has ever gone through as bruising a season as McLaren experienced in 2007. First there was the exhilaration of Lewis Hamilton?s early performances, and the on-track fight with Ferrari. Then came the 'Stepneygate' spy scandal, followed by internal strife between Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. It concluded with a US$100m fine, disqualification from the world championship for constructors, and Kimi Raikkonen pipping Hamilton and Alonso to the drivers? title in the final race.
In theory, there should be the humiliation of a garage at the wrong end of the pit lane this year, but within McLaren right now there is no looking back. Everything is totally focused on one task, and one task only: winning. The team?s philosophy has always been to win every race; that?s the way to win championships.
In recent testing the MP4-23 set the pace, giving rise to optimism that Hamilton and his new team mate Heikki Kovalainen will be able to take the fight to Ferrari once more. Whether they have the necessary technical savvy, and the strength of character to get on with one another, remain but two of the fascinating aspects of this team?s battle for redemption.
Drivers: Lewis Hamilton (109pts, 2nd in 2007)
Heikki Kovalainen (30pts, 7th in 2007)
Testers: Pedro de la Rosa, Gary Paffett
Base: Surrey, UK
Chassis: McLaren MP4-23
Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108V
2.4L V8
740+ hp
19,000 RPM (Limited)
Races Won in 2007: 4 by Lewis, 0 by Heikki
2008 McLaren Launch
2008 McLaren test at Jerez
No team in history has ever gone through as bruising a season as McLaren experienced in 2007. First there was the exhilaration of Lewis Hamilton?s early performances, and the on-track fight with Ferrari. Then came the 'Stepneygate' spy scandal, followed by internal strife between Hamilton and Fernando Alonso. It concluded with a US$100m fine, disqualification from the world championship for constructors, and Kimi Raikkonen pipping Hamilton and Alonso to the drivers? title in the final race.
In theory, there should be the humiliation of a garage at the wrong end of the pit lane this year, but within McLaren right now there is no looking back. Everything is totally focused on one task, and one task only: winning. The team?s philosophy has always been to win every race; that?s the way to win championships.
In recent testing the MP4-23 set the pace, giving rise to optimism that Hamilton and his new team mate Heikki Kovalainen will be able to take the fight to Ferrari once more. Whether they have the necessary technical savvy, and the strength of character to get on with one another, remain but two of the fascinating aspects of this team?s battle for redemption.
#19
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
BMW Sauber (2nd in 2007 Constructors Championship)
Drivers: Nick Heidfeld (61pts, 5th in 2007)
Robert Kubica (39pts, 6th in 2007)
Base: Hinwil, Switzerland and Munich, Germany
Chassis: F1.08
Engine: BMW P86/8
2.4L
19,000 RPM (Limited)
Races Won in 2007: 0
Website
2008 BMW Sauber Launch
First Test
A year ago much was expected of the revamped BMW Sauber team, and they delivered all season with a series of strong drives from Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica that saw the team place third in the constructors? championship on merit, and move to second when McLaren were disqualified.
Now comes the crunch year, when a very aggressive development policy must pay off. Team principal Dr Mario Theissen expects at least one victory this year, to keep his men on track for a world championship challenge in 2009 and 2010.
Winter testing showed initially that there were issues to be resolved in the F1.08?s handling, but towards the end of the various tests the pace of the white and blue cars certainly caught the attention of Renault?s Fernando Alonso, who believes they can be very quick in race trim.
Heidfeld got the most out of the F1.07 last year, leaving Kubica slightly in his shadow, but the roles have been reversed thus far in testing and one of the fascinating aspects of the new season will be monitoring their inter-team battle. Expect the team to be in the thick of the fight for third spot, behind Ferrari and McLaren.
Formula1.com
Drivers: Nick Heidfeld (61pts, 5th in 2007)
Robert Kubica (39pts, 6th in 2007)
Base: Hinwil, Switzerland and Munich, Germany
Chassis: F1.08
Engine: BMW P86/8
2.4L
19,000 RPM (Limited)
Races Won in 2007: 0
Website
2008 BMW Sauber Launch
First Test
A year ago much was expected of the revamped BMW Sauber team, and they delivered all season with a series of strong drives from Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica that saw the team place third in the constructors? championship on merit, and move to second when McLaren were disqualified.
Now comes the crunch year, when a very aggressive development policy must pay off. Team principal Dr Mario Theissen expects at least one victory this year, to keep his men on track for a world championship challenge in 2009 and 2010.
Winter testing showed initially that there were issues to be resolved in the F1.08?s handling, but towards the end of the various tests the pace of the white and blue cars certainly caught the attention of Renault?s Fernando Alonso, who believes they can be very quick in race trim.
Heidfeld got the most out of the F1.07 last year, leaving Kubica slightly in his shadow, but the roles have been reversed thus far in testing and one of the fascinating aspects of the new season will be monitoring their inter-team battle. Expect the team to be in the thick of the fight for third spot, behind Ferrari and McLaren.
Formula1.com
#20
Contributors
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: South Florida
Posts: 1,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 535i w/ Sports & Permium Pkg. Silv/Blk
2008 VW R32 w/Nav.
1992 VW Corrado Silv/Blk-retired
2001 530i Sports/Premium-retired
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Australia preview quotes - BMW SauberNext weekend?s Australian Grand Prix will put an end to four long months of waiting for Formula One fans across the world. For the teams and drivers the joy of getting back to racing again will prove just as exciting, and with Melbourne a firm favourite with most, there couldn?t be a better place to kick start the 2008 season.
Here BMW Sauber team mates Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen and technical director Willy Rampf explain why?
![Formula One 2008 (Rd.16, JAPANESE GRAND PRIX)-250px_nick_heidfeld_2006_n_c3_bcrburgring.jpg](https://5series.net/forums/attachments/lounge-5/45586d1482366039t-formula-one-2008-rd-16-japanese-grand-prix-250px_nick_heidfeld_2006_n_c3_bcrburgring.jpg)
Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
2007 Qualifying - 3rd, 2007 Race - 4th
?I'm really looking forward to the curtain-raiser in Australia - to a couple of free days to
acclimatise and then for everything to get going at last! This time round I found it particularly difficult to gauge how the teams measure up against each other. We made progress between the roll-out in Valencia and the final test in Barcelona, but none of us will know where we stand until Melbourne. Autumn in Australia brings the possibility of rain, which would make driving without traction control and engine braking control a real challenge. I did some testing on a wet track and it was great fun. The Albert Park circuit doesn't provide much grip even in dry conditions, especially at the start of the weekend.?
![Formula One 2008 (Rd.16, JAPANESE GRAND PRIX)-200px_kubica_warszawa.jpg](https://5series.net/forums/attachments/lounge-5/45587d1482366039t-formula-one-2008-rd-16-japanese-grand-prix-200px_kubica_warszawa.jpg)
Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber
2007 Qualifying - 5th, 2007 Race - DNF
?In Australia all the speculating will finally come to an end. I just can't wait for the season to start in Melbourne. The whole team has been working incredibly hard over the past weeks, the F1.08 has steadily improved and I think there's even more potential lurking inside it. I like the circuit in Melbourne. If it were up to me, I'd have all the races on street circuits. Overall, precise driving skills have become even more critical in 2008 because there's no more traction control to help if you stray onto the dirty side of the track. That's going to cost time because you then have to ease off the throttle to correct yourself. Then there's the great atmosphere in Melbourne with the fans and the beautiful city, all of which lends a special charm to the season-opener.?
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport director
?We are pleased that Australia is kicking off the season again in 2008. There's always a very special atmosphere in Melbourne. The city just throbs, the spectators are all smitten with the Formula One bug, and everyone looks forward to the first test of strength with excited anticipation. Last year it turned out that we achieved our best qualifying result of the season at the curtain raiser in Albert Park. Nick started from third place, Robert from fifth. The first race weekend always brings the moment of truth. That's when we find out where everyone stands.
"During the winter we consciously opted for a change in concept for the BMW Sauber F1.08. To be able to catch up with the teams ahead of us we had to go for an aggressive approach. The reliability of the new car has been very good from the outset. We have also learnt that a car with a lot of potential is harder to control at the start than a more amenable car that reaches its limits far more quickly. For us it's now a case of forging ahead with the fine-tuning. Since the roll-out, I believe we are on a good path. Our ambitious target for 2008 remains unchanged: this year we want to close the gap to the leaders and win our first race.?
Willy Rampf, technical director
?Melbourne is the perfect start to the Formula One season. It's a fantastic city with a great atmosphere. Naturally we're all keen to find out where we actually stand when all the teams put their cards on the table for the first time in Saturday's qualifying.
?The circuit in Albert Park is a stop-go track with a lot of slow corners. With traction control and engine braking control now banned, the drivers will be under pressure when braking into as well as accelerating out of corners. Heavy demands will be made above all on the rear tyres on account of the circuit layout, and that will require the drivers to apply a more sensitive touch to the accelerator.
?In terms of the car's set-up, the priorities are good traction and high braking stability.
Sufficient brake cooling is also important as Melbourne has the highest braking loads after Montreal. The first race of the season also marks the first stage in the gearbox lifecycle. According to the new regulations, gearboxes have to be used for four race weekends, on both Saturday and Sunday.?
Here BMW Sauber team mates Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen and technical director Willy Rampf explain why?
![Formula One 2008 (Rd.16, JAPANESE GRAND PRIX)-250px_nick_heidfeld_2006_n_c3_bcrburgring.jpg](https://5series.net/forums/attachments/lounge-5/45586d1482366039t-formula-one-2008-rd-16-japanese-grand-prix-250px_nick_heidfeld_2006_n_c3_bcrburgring.jpg)
Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
2007 Qualifying - 3rd, 2007 Race - 4th
?I'm really looking forward to the curtain-raiser in Australia - to a couple of free days to
acclimatise and then for everything to get going at last! This time round I found it particularly difficult to gauge how the teams measure up against each other. We made progress between the roll-out in Valencia and the final test in Barcelona, but none of us will know where we stand until Melbourne. Autumn in Australia brings the possibility of rain, which would make driving without traction control and engine braking control a real challenge. I did some testing on a wet track and it was great fun. The Albert Park circuit doesn't provide much grip even in dry conditions, especially at the start of the weekend.?
![Formula One 2008 (Rd.16, JAPANESE GRAND PRIX)-200px_kubica_warszawa.jpg](https://5series.net/forums/attachments/lounge-5/45587d1482366039t-formula-one-2008-rd-16-japanese-grand-prix-200px_kubica_warszawa.jpg)
Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber
2007 Qualifying - 5th, 2007 Race - DNF
?In Australia all the speculating will finally come to an end. I just can't wait for the season to start in Melbourne. The whole team has been working incredibly hard over the past weeks, the F1.08 has steadily improved and I think there's even more potential lurking inside it. I like the circuit in Melbourne. If it were up to me, I'd have all the races on street circuits. Overall, precise driving skills have become even more critical in 2008 because there's no more traction control to help if you stray onto the dirty side of the track. That's going to cost time because you then have to ease off the throttle to correct yourself. Then there's the great atmosphere in Melbourne with the fans and the beautiful city, all of which lends a special charm to the season-opener.?
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport director
?We are pleased that Australia is kicking off the season again in 2008. There's always a very special atmosphere in Melbourne. The city just throbs, the spectators are all smitten with the Formula One bug, and everyone looks forward to the first test of strength with excited anticipation. Last year it turned out that we achieved our best qualifying result of the season at the curtain raiser in Albert Park. Nick started from third place, Robert from fifth. The first race weekend always brings the moment of truth. That's when we find out where everyone stands.
"During the winter we consciously opted for a change in concept for the BMW Sauber F1.08. To be able to catch up with the teams ahead of us we had to go for an aggressive approach. The reliability of the new car has been very good from the outset. We have also learnt that a car with a lot of potential is harder to control at the start than a more amenable car that reaches its limits far more quickly. For us it's now a case of forging ahead with the fine-tuning. Since the roll-out, I believe we are on a good path. Our ambitious target for 2008 remains unchanged: this year we want to close the gap to the leaders and win our first race.?
Willy Rampf, technical director
?Melbourne is the perfect start to the Formula One season. It's a fantastic city with a great atmosphere. Naturally we're all keen to find out where we actually stand when all the teams put their cards on the table for the first time in Saturday's qualifying.
?The circuit in Albert Park is a stop-go track with a lot of slow corners. With traction control and engine braking control now banned, the drivers will be under pressure when braking into as well as accelerating out of corners. Heavy demands will be made above all on the rear tyres on account of the circuit layout, and that will require the drivers to apply a more sensitive touch to the accelerator.
?In terms of the car's set-up, the priorities are good traction and high braking stability.
Sufficient brake cooling is also important as Melbourne has the highest braking loads after Montreal. The first race of the season also marks the first stage in the gearbox lifecycle. According to the new regulations, gearboxes have to be used for four race weekends, on both Saturday and Sunday.?