20/01/2009
NEWS STORY
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Immediately after this morning's official unveiling of its 2009 car, Robert Kubica gave the BMW F1.09 its maiden run.
Taking advantage of the sunny weather in the afternoon, the team concentrated on system checks and collecting base data from the all-new car.
After completing 73 laps Kubica said: "It was a good shakedown without a technical problem. Although the track was missing a little bit of grip because there was only one car running, we already learned a lot about how the car is responding to set-up changes."
"Everything went according to plan and without problems," added Mario Theissen. "The car is now ready for the first day of proper testing tomorrow with Robert at the wheel."
"Despite being a brand new car, the F1.09 had a very successful shakedown. All systems worked perfectly. We could even do some basic tests like several race start simulations," added Walter Riedl, Managing Director of BMW Sauber AG.
The German team will continue testing in Valencia until Saturday. Robert Kubica will be at the wheel again tomorrow and on Thursday, while Nick Heidfeld will take over on Friday and Saturday.