Theissen full of praise

The BMW Sauber F1 Team has made impressive progress since the roll-out and the winter test sessions: within just two months, the team from Munich and Hinwil has closed the gap to the top teams in motor sport's elite class. As far as BMW Motorsport Director is concerned, this is primarily thanks to Willy Rampf and his aerodynamics department.

"Since the launch of the BMW Sauber F1.08 we have not only made the car faster, but have learned more in the eight weeks between the launch and the first race in Australia than we normally would do in an entire season", says Theissen. "That was a very fruitful and motivating phase. Compliments to Willy Rampf and the entire team.

The highlight of the first three races of the season was not only the three podium finishes, but also the first pole position in the history of the BMW Sauber F1 Team, which was achieved by Robert Kubica at the Bahrain Grand Prix. "At such an early stage in the season, that was the icing on the cake", says Theissen. "Last year we were the third force behind the two top teams of Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes. However, after three races we are now one of the three top teams. That is a significant difference."