Theissen expects surprises for 2009 championship

By BMW Sauber F1
February 3 2009

The battle for the 2009 Formula One World Championship title promises to be far more open than in recent years. After all, numerous rule changes represent new challenges for all the teams. Nonetheless, the BMW Sauber F1 Team firmly adheres to its ambitious goals.

"In the past four years, we have successfully built up a new team and have set ourselves goals that are still in effect," says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen.

To date, the BMW Sauber F1 Team can look back on an impressive record. "We wanted to score points in our debut season, make it to the podium in the second, secure our first race win in the third and battle for the World Championship in the fourth. Now we are entering our fourth season. To date, we have realised all our goals and this fact makes it clear what we aiming for this year," adds Theissen.

Nonetheless, the BMW Motorsport Director expects the Munich and Hinwil based squad's way to the very top of Formula One will be far from easy and that it will have to battle it out with competitors that haven't been true front-runners in the recent past. "I think we are going to witness some surprises," adds Theissen. "It goes without saying that the established teams once again have to be regarded as the favourites. But I think that the radical rule changes can make a significant impact on the 2009 grid order."