16/01/2007
NEWS STORY
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Shortly after nine o'clock today, Tuesday, the new BMW Sauber F1.07 entered the spotlight for the first time. The BMW Sauber F1 Team with its drivers Nick Heidfeld (29, Germany) and Robert Kubica (22, Poland), along with test and reserve driver Sebastian Vettel (19, Germany) and test driver number two, Timo Glock (24, Germany), lined up before the world in the Feria de Valencia.
After a good Formula One debut year, the BMW Sauber F1 Team is ready to take its next step in 2007. This coming season will see the newly established team pursue the successful development agenda it has embarked on. The target is clear: securing more podium places in 2007. At the same time, staff expansion at Hinwil will be completed, with the workforce there growing up to 430. 125 have already been hired, with another 30 to follow. By the end of the year, the new building complex in Hinwil will also have been completed. Then the BMW Sauber F1 Team, which also has 300 staff working in Munich, will have reached its full complement.
"In 2006 we exceeded our own targets. Now expectations are rising faster than the team can develop. That's the punishment for excelling yourself," notes BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen before spelling out the team strategy: "2007 marks the second and final year of our development phase. Our aim is to make it onto the podium on our own merit. If the leading teams show any sign of weakness, we want to be ready to breach the gap. Victories on our own merit are not yet a realistic prospect for 2007. We are aiming for that in 2008. In 2009 we want to be in contention for the World Championship title."
The squad of drivers is a sparkling cocktail of experienced and fresh blood. Theissen says: "We are very satisfied with our line-up. Nick is our experienced man. He is fast and reliable, and has the know-how to take the team forward. All that makes him a firm fixture and an important reference point for the technicians and the other drivers. Robert has already proved how fast he is, and he will catch up on the experience front. The two of them work well together and engage in healthy competition out on the track. As for Sebastian, we will be giving him the opportunity to drive on Fridays as well. He will learn from the other two. We will be further supported by Timo, who is not only fast but has also built up a great deal of experience already."
Heidfeld, who picked up the most points for the team in 2006, says: "After our good maiden season we now have to continue along our set path. But one can't expect too much, because the higher you go, the more rarefied the atmosphere. In our first year we collected 36 points and came fifth in the world championship. But the fourth-placed team had 86 points. That's worlds apart."
"I learnt a lot in 2006," says Kubica, "and I want to put it into practice in 2007 and learn more. To stand on the podium for the first time after a Formula One race was an incredible experience. I want more of it."
Vettel outlines his task: "The better I get to know the car and the team, the more I can support them through my test work. I will make every effort to do as much groundwork as possible for Nick and Robert."
Glock emphasises: "Driving a Formula One race car is the ultimate goal for a racing driver. The two tests at the end of 2006 were tremendous fun. Now I'm looking forward to the F1.07."
To check out our BMW F1.07 launch gallery, click here