Jerez Day2: Problematic first KERS test for Kubica

By BMW Sauber F1 Team
December 10 2008

On Wednesday, the BMW Sauber F1 Team continued testing in Jerez de la Frontera. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubca were on duty for the Munich and Hinwil-based team. For the first time, the Pole drove his car fitted with KERS .

Nick Heidfeld Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08B-03 / BMW 86/9   Test kilometres today: 386 km (87 laps)   Fastest lap: 1:20.365 min

Robert Kubica Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08B-06 / BMW 86/9 KERS   Test kilometres today: 169 km (38 laps)   Fastest lap: 1:20.954 min

Programme: Again the BMW Sauber F1 Team ran two interim cars featuring a modified 2008 chassis, with some bodywork complying to the 2009 regulations. Robert Kubica drove the car fitted with KERS for the first time. His day came to a premature end when his car stopped halfway through testing with a mechanical problem. Because of this, the chassis was slightly damaged and the necessary repairs took up the rest of the day.  

Nick Heidfeld concentrated on development work on the F1.08B-03 fitted with the conventional engine. He worked on the set-up of the car, collecting more data on the slick tyres as well as the revised bodywork. “It was a productive day”, Heidfeld said. “With the weather being much better, we were able to catch up on some of the development time we lost yesterday. My 87 laps today with a problem free car gave us the opportunity to try a number of different options.”

Weather conditions: Chilly in the morning, but sunny all day. Temperature: Air: 7 – 15 °C, Track: 9 – 20 °C

Number of drivers participating: 9 from 6 teams  

Fastest lap overall: Sébastien Buemi (Scuderia Toro Rosso) 1:18.073 min Circuit length: 4.428 km

What comes next:   Tomorrow for the final and third day of the Jerez test the BMW Sauber F1 Team will continue the development work for the 2009 season.