3rd consecutive overseas race lies ahead

For the first time in ten years, the Australian Grand Prix doesn't mark the season opener of the FIA Formula One World Championship. The BMW Sauber F1 Team can now prepare for cooler temperatures, as it is already autumn in Australia.

The reason for the re-scheduling was the Commonwealth Games which were staged from 15th to 26th March in Melbourne. Since 1930, the nations that emerged from the British Commonwealth have been battling for medals in this competition. During this year's Games, the Australian team was the most successful nation, gaining 221 medals.

The change of Formula One's schedule plays into the hands of the teams. The cooler weather in 'Down Under' means less strain for man and machine. The third race in 2006 at the 5,303 kilometer 'Albert Park Circuit', however, is expected to be a challenging one. The race track is used only once a year, otherwise it is open for public traffic. That's why the track might be dirty, especially during the first practice sessions.

BMW has found memories of the track located in the 3,2-million metropolis of Melbourne. In 2000, Ralf Schumacher finished third in the first race after the company's Formula One comeback. The BMW Sauber F1 Team will travel to Australia optimistically. During tests in Le Castellet, the team worked on improving the car's reliability, and is now eager to build up on the race performance displayed in Malaysia.