2009 BMW on schedule, says Theissen

http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=44383
Wednesday, 22 October 2008 00:00

BMW Sauber boss Mario Thiessen is confident his team is on target with the development of its 2009 car, including the all-important Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS).


BMW achieved its season’s target of a first Formula 1 victory earlier this year at the Canadian Grand Prix, and has made no secret that it is now working towards a championship challenge in 2009.


With new aerodynamic regulations and the reintroduction of slick tyres limiting the amount of technical crossover between the 2008 car and next year’s challenger, Theissen is confident that BMW’s early start will pay dividends.


"I believe we are well on our way," said Theissen.



"The design work is running to plan, and we are also on track to finish our aerodynamic development on schedule."


BMW has also resumed work on its KERS unit after a public setback saw one of its mechanics receive an electric shock during testing at Jerez in July.


Theissen revealed that the team’s super-capacitor battery system has been back in use during straight line tests at BMW’s private test facility in the south of France.


"We have tested KERS in recent weeks,” he said.


“Not on the track, but on the straight in Miramas. That work is ongoing."


Theissen was also keen to add that the work on the 2009 car would not affect BMW’s preparations for Brazilian Grand Prix and that the F1.08 will feature a number of aerodynamic adjustments for the final race of the season.


"Of course we will be taking certain aerodynamic alignments with us, which will look different in Brazil to those seen in Shanghai,” said Theissen


“We will once again be attempting to get as much out of the package as possible."

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