BMW plan improved KERS for Turkey

UPDATE (GMM) BMW-Sauber is set to make more steps forward, after the boost provided by a major aerodynamic upgrade for the recent Spanish grand prix.

The German squad is still not a player in 2009, but boss Mario Theissen insists Barcelona proved a "comeback" after the dire situation of the opening four races.

A double diffuser was not part of the Spain package, but the formerly controversial concept will be fitted to the F1.09 for the forthcoming Turkish grand prix.

"To be honest, I am looking forward to Istanbul," said Nick Heidfeld, who on his 32nd birthday moved up from 13th on the grid to score two points in Spain.

"This (in Turkey) is when we get another new package with the double-decker diffuser. Hopefully we'll take another large step forward then," added the German.

It is also in Istanbul that BMW plans to reintroduce KERS, after taking the technology off its cars for Barcelona and next weekend's Monaco grand prix.

It is understood that, compared with the previous 2009 system, the team's KERS will be running in a modified form from Turkey onwards.

05/13/09 BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has declared that his team are 'back in business' after updates to the F1.09 proved successful at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The team surprised many in 2008 by collecting a race win, but have struggled so far this term. There was, however, an upturn in performance following several improvements in Barcelona and more are planned for over the coming months.

"While other teams have so far made several minor changes to their cars since the overseas races, we concentrated on a major package," Theissen explained.

"The nose, sidepods and rear wing on the car were all new. We have also further developed the front wing, engine cover and diffuser. In order to be able to concentrate on the new aerodynamic package, we did without KERS in Spain.

"However, our goal is to use both a modified KERS and a multi-level diffuser in Istanbul, while more development packages are in the pipeline."