BMW warning for top teams

BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has warned Ferrari and McLaren they will not have it all their own way in the new Formula One season.

While BMW Sauber collected points in every grand prix last year – with Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica at the wheel – Ferrari and McLaren won every race.

At the unveiling of their challenger for next season at the home of BMW in Munich, Theissen wore a smile borne from confidence as the new car – the F1.08 - took the spotlight.

“We have come quite a long in the two and a half years since the new team was created,” said Theissen, as BMW took over from Sauber in 2005.

“We’ve since had two strong seasons, and we’ve put in a lot of effort on the new car, which includes what we have learned over the past two years.

“I think we will make a big step forward, and we are very confident this year it will be a battle of more than two teams.”

For Theissen, the goal is naturally for BMW Sauber to win a race as that is something they have yet to do.

“It will be difficult because the two teams in front of us are the strongest and most experienced,” added Theissen.

“They will have made a big leap over the winter as well, which means we have to improve more than they will.

“But after making progress over the last two years, I am really confident we can do it again and close the gap.”

Theissen’s confidence stems from the fact the team have completed their two-year development phase, notably in terms of building their factory at Hinwil and employing relevant staff.

The team now employs 730 people – 430 in Hinwil and 300 in Munich – with Theissen stating: “We are really looking forward to the new season.

“In terms of size we are still a midfield team, but in terms of ambition are a front-runner.”

It is the drivers, though, who have to deliver, and both feel they can improve on last season when Heidfeld won 61 points and Kubica 39.

That helped the team finish second in the constructors’ championship due to McLaren being docked all team points.

“I’m very excited because the people in the factory are happy with the progress, and it is the most beautiful car I’ve ever seen,” enthused Heidfeld.

“I know it doesn’t mean anything in terms of speed, but because of that I’m looking forward to the coming days and weeks, and I’m sure I can win races.

“It obviously depends on the car, but in theory we should be able to close the gap to the cars in front of us.”

Kubica, who last season suffered a massive shunt in the Canadian Grand Prix which saw him miss one race, said: “As Nick mentioned we have made great progress compared to 2006 and 2007.

“All the people who have worked on this car have given their all, and I feel we can show to the whole world and the BMW Sauber fans that we can win a race this season.”