Trouble-free day for BMW in Monza

It was a trouble free first practice day in Monza for both BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers, Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld. While it is only a week since the team was testing at this track, which is the home of the Italian Grand Prix, conditions seem to have changed so analysing the data will be very important.

Robert Kubica: BMW Sauber F1.07-03 / BMW P86/7 (T-car F1.07.04) 1st Practice: 8th, 1.23.703 min
2nd Practice: 4th, 1.23.599 min “We were testing here last week, so we know a bit about the car’s balance and other things, and that was why we didn’t run a lot in first practice. However, it looks like the condition of the track is pretty different, and the braking stability, especially, is worse than it was in testing. In the second free practice we did many long runs, comparing the tyres, and these were looking quite good. I think we have quite a lot of data to look at and analyse.“

Nick Heidfeld: BMW Sauber F1.07-08 / BMW P86/7 1st Practice: 9th, 1.23.886 min
2nd Practice: 7th, 1.23.821 min “I think in general our configuration is good. Both sessions were trouble free. However, my lap times on the long runs are less consistent than I would like. The balance of the car changes, with it being better during the test, so we now have to analyse the data. But I still hope we can come close to Ferrari.”

Willy Rampf, Technical Director: “After testing here last week, we began the morning session with a good set-up base. However, there was still enough to do. We concentrated totally on the race preparation, and completed some long runs with both tyre compounds so we have all necessary data available. I'm pleased with our performance so far. We didn't have any technical problems whatsoever and were able to complete the whole programme. Tomorrow morning we can now focus on preparing for qualifying.”