BMW Sauber F1 Team - Canadian GP - Practice
Weather: Very cloudy, sunny later and dry, 20-24°C air,
25-36°C track
Montreal (CAN). The BMW Sauber F1 Team had a very strong
start to its weekend in Montreal. Robert Kubica was fastest
in both of Friday’s free practice sessions for the Canadian
Grand Prix. Nick Heidfeld and Jacques Villeneuve were ninth
and tenth fastest respectively.
Robert Kubica:
BMW Sauber F1.06-03BMW P86
1st Practice: 1st , 1:16.390s / 2nd Practice: 1st, 1:16.965s
We have done two long runs, which were pretty good. The pace
was fine, with quick lap times, and we were consistent. We
are looking strong. I have no problems getting used to a new
track, so this morning I was also able to be quick straightaway.
Nick Heidfeld:
BMW Sauber F1.06-04/BMW P86
1st Practice: No time / 2nd Practice: 9th, 1:18.015s
Generally I am happy with our positions as Robert was fastest
in both sessions and Jacques and myself also made it into
the top ten. The balance of the car is not perfect yet, and
it proved quite difficult to drive. In the second session
I had to stop my second run early due to a mechanical problem
with the gearchange paddle. Without this I would have done
a few more laps.
Jacques Villeneuve:
BMW Sauber F1.06-08/BMW P86
1st Practice: No time / 2nd Practice: 10th, 1:18.035s
The car is running strong. It is a little bit difficult to
drive with the relatively low downforce, and the track is
very slippery, but the lap times are competitive. I am confident
for the rest of the weekend.
Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
It was a very positive first practice day with Robert completing
his scheduled programme with no problems. His best time of
the day illustrates we can repeat the promising performance
from Silverstone. I am sure tomorrow in qualifying Nick and
Jacques will profit from Robert’s set-up work.
Willy Rampf (Technical Director Chassis):
I am very satisfied with what we have achieved so far. The
lap times of all three drivers are good and we didn’t
have any major problems to hamper our reliability. After last
week’s test the cars arrived here in Montreal very well
prepared. Practically from the very first outing we were able
to start working on the fine tuning. This was thanks to a
very strong effort from both the test team and the team back
home. Now we are really looking forward to tomorrow’s
qualifying.
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