Hungary Race BMW Reactions: We lacked pace
By BMW Sauber F1 Team
August 3 2008
A single point is the scant booty for the BMW Sauber F1 Team after the Hungarian Grand Prix. Although Robert Kubica had a good grid position (4th) he finished eighth and only just made it into the points. Nick Heidfeld’s chances were very limited anyway as he was 15th on the grid. A one stop strategy elevated him to tenth.
Robert Kubica: "This was a difficult race. We were very slow and I was
struggling with the overall grip of the car. I had massive oversteer
and could not really push. I was trying hard to keep the car on the
track. Anyway, one point is better than nothing."
Nick Heidfeld: "My start wasn't perfect but okay. As I had hoped, I was
able to overtake three cars on the first lap. But later it became more
difficult than expected to race with the heavy car. We went for a one
stop strategy, so my car was almost full of fuel at the start and I
also had to take care of the tyres. I couldn't match the pace of the
cars in front of me. Now we have to analyse today's lack of race pace.
Normally this is one of our strengths!"
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): "We were completely off the
pace during the race. Neither driver was able to do the lap times we
expected after the sessions on Friday and Saturday. It was the same on
both tyre compounds. The reason for that is currently not clear, but we
shall analyse everything. Congratulations to Heikki Kovalainen for his
maiden win in F1 and, of course, Timo Glock for his strong weekend,
crowned by finishing second."
Willy Rampf (Technical Director): "Of course we are very disappointed
with today's performance. Now we need to analyse why we were not able
to match our qualifying performance during the race. We shall do this
in the factories in Hinwil and Munich because, due to the testing
break, we are not able to test before the next race in Valencia in
three weeks."
Frotunately there isthe traditional 3-week break, which should help, and we should bring some new parts to Valencia.
Good thing is that as Valencia will be unknown for everyone (similations apart), it will be a closer battel. Plus Valencia is not like a slow Monaco. Its in fact a fast medium-high downforce track, which should suit us more.
Race report at http://www.f1network.net/main/s491/st131541.htm
Racing against the machine!
Yes, thankfully the break is here. Hopefully they can find some pace and get back up there. How quickly the tables can turn this year.
The current approach isn't working. Things are slipping away, and will continue to if attitudes remain the same.
Sessions
.
Ah well tomorrow is another day. lol.
Williams and proud of it.
Quote:Don't you dare say that YOU are disappointed!
Hehe, I know what you mean pgj. I suffered that in the BMW Williams times, and still suffer for Williams these days.
Quote:IT looks like the car had very little balance when they put more fuel in the car.
Could be, but don't think so.
Both of our cars were slow even with low fuel load. And as the fuel tank is close to the CoG, it should affect balance much. And I remember Alonso during the of season praising BMW high fuel load long stints (in fact in races before our car behaved well in those situations).
Think it had more to do with general car balance.
Seems the special track characteristics amplified the problems the car had.
Racing against the machine!
Both Nick and Robert are gone next year, so team is not willing to let them know and drive any new developments, as they might be for use in 2009.
very outside shot from me, I know. Don't bet any money on that scenario
it might be that one of them will be gone
< Read that symbol as old farm boy here. I'm not good a remembering who posted what and when, but I recall Mario talking about bringing someone along through the organization. That would mean Robert, but nothing is for sure in this business. I like Robert a lot, but also like Nick just as well. Both are capable and fit in with the team. I don't feel Alonso would be a good fit, but I'm not an F1 guru 
. I personally don't care if Bubba Gump drives the car, just so it's competitive and capable or running at the front of the pack. I don't even care if it's slow success, just so the team is moving forward.WanaM3