BMW engineers ready for Brazil

Formula One is looking forward to the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. The 4,309 kilometre circuit at Interlagos is one of the most demanding challenges on the calendar. Sam Michael and Mario Theissen are making the last preperations for the GP at Interlagos.

Sam Michael, Technical Director "It is a great track with many overtaking opportunities, mainly created due to the two straights and the undulating terrain. Dominated by slow to medium corners and straight lines, it is important to have a good car balance in the corners that precede the straights. The long pitlane and low fuel penalty both have a first order affect on strategy and what tyre compound level we will use. We have worked with Michelin to choose two tyres that should cover the different track temperatures that are inherent to this circuit."

Sam Michael is looking forward to see Antonio Pizzonia who will stand in for Nick Heidfeld at the BMW Williams F1 Team, on home soil.
"It's great that Antonio has another opportunity to race, especially in Brazil where he will be in front of his home crowd. This, coupled with Mark's (Webber) solid qualifying position, should enable us maximise the results in Brazil, a track that we won on last year."

Mario Theissen is looking forward to Interlagos. The final three races are flyaway events the German says that BMW Williams is prepared for Brazil.
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director "A real challenge for the team and our logistics. Winning last year's race in Sao Paulo was the highlight of our season. This year we have had a difficult season so we would like to score good points in the remaining Grand Prix. At Interlagos, the main challenge for the BMW P84/5 engine is the start-finish straight. It runs uphill and the cars are flat out for 1,203 metres. Also, the 60 percent full-throttle ratio per lap is above average. One can not really expect extreme heat in Sao Paulo at this time of the year, changeable weather conditions are far more likely. After the lateste, and final, engine specifications proved its strenght at Monza and Spa, we are well prepared for Interlagos. According to plan, both drivers will get fresh V10 engines for almost the last time this year."