14/03/2008
NEWS STORY
Unusual heat, strong winds and consequently a high amount of dust in Melbourne's Albert Park welcomed Formula One for the curtain raiser of the 2008 season. BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Robert Kubica enjoyed two trouble-free practice sessions. Nick Heidfeld's car stopped with 30 minutes to go in the first session due to an electrical power cut, in the afternoon he completed his programme as scheduled.
Robert Kubica: As well as working on the set-up of the car, we concentrated mainly on comparing the two tyre compounds. Degradation is quite a big issue in these hot conditions. We have to analyse the data and find out how best to exploit the full potential of the tyres.
Nick Heidfeld: I still find it very difficult to make a judgement on everybody's performance. I'm afraid we have to be patient until tomorrow, at least until the second part of qualifying. I assume some of the cars which are higher up on the result sheet were lighter than us. I had no technical problems in the second session, and the failure in the morning just cost one run which isn't a drama.
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): We are happy that the 2008 season has finally started here in Melbourne. We concentrated on the race preparations in both sessions and completed our programme including the tyre comparisons. Apart from one problem on an electronic switch in the first free practice, everything went according to plan. I think we are in good shape for tomorrow.