The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers in conversation.
There are just over two weeks to go before the start of the
2008 Formula One World Championship, and the BMW Sauber F1
Team has been preparing for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne
on 16th March with tests in Valencia, Jerez and Barcelona.
Here drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica talk about the
recent winter break and their expectations for the BMW Sauber
F1 Team’s third season on the grid.
Did you enjoy the winter break?
Nick Heidfeld:
I’m pleased to say the winter break was not actually
that long thanks to the regular testing we’ve been doing.
And in between times I’ve been getting through some
intensive fitness training. I’ve got a small studio
at home where I can do special exercises aimed at building
up the muscles in the neck, arms and torso. I managed to spend
some time with my family over Christmas and the New Year,
which I really enjoyed, of course.
Robert Kubica:
My winter break was pretty similar. I also spent a few days
with my family and chilled out a bit. And, like Nick, I stepped
up my fitness training, which included joining the team for
the training camp in St Moritz. I mainly focused my training
on the endurance side.
Coming out of the winter break, how hard is it to
motivate yourself again for testing ahead of the new season?
Kubica:
It’s not an issue. For me the short break was enough
to recharge my batteries. I also like being in the car for
testing. Plus there was the added incentive – and honour
– of being the first person to drive the new BMW Sauber
F1.08 on the track.
Heidfeld:
As far as I’m concerned, the winter break could have
even been a bit shorter. I love being in the car and look
forward to every opportunity to drive it. All in all, I would
prefer it if we tested less and raced more often. Almost five
months without a race is just too long, if you ask me.
With winter testing complete, how do you see things
shaping up?
Heidfeld:
Even for us as drivers it has been a long time since it was
this difficult to say how the F1 teams stand against each
other. The testing results of the big teams have simply been
too variable to form an opinion. As for us, we have made huge
progress since the roll-out in Valencia.
Kubica:
The engineers took a certain amount of risk and have entered
new territory in some areas with the F1.08. One of the consequences
of this is that we were not BMW Sauber F1Team quite where
we hoped to be at the start of winter testing. But since the
roll-out everybody in the team – and that means both
the testing crew and the guys back at the plants – has
been working at full steam, seven days a week. These efforts
have paid off; we have made great steps forward and registered
improvements in all areas. And I’m sure we are still
far from exhausting the full potential of the F1.08.
How has the absence of traction control and engine
braking control affected you?
Kubica:
In testing we noticed that the driver has a big influence
over tyre wear. And that applies to an even greater extent
the higher the temperature of the asphalt. Plus, it is also
extremely important to avoid straying from the ideal line
as much as possible. In the past, we could rely on the traction
control to keep everything in check if we went off line, and
even if you had a bit of a slide you would only lose a relatively
small amount of time. Without traction control the driver
has to take his foot off the accelerator to avoid the risk
of spinning. And that means you lose more time, of course.
As a whole, though, it is not exclusively a question of driving
style. The car also has to make optimal use of the tyres.
Heidfeld:
All the drivers have been really keen to find out how the
latest Formula One cars react without traction control, and
we have all adapted our driving style accordingly –
after all that’s part of our job. I also had the opportunity
to try the car out in the wet in testing. I have to say that
it was really fun to drive without traction control. The challenge
for the drivers is greater, and that’s the way I like
it.
In what ways does your team-mate get on your nerves?
Heidfeld:
When he’s quicker than me. But that’s obvious,
isn’t it?
Kubica:
I would not like to be in a situation where I didn’t
have a good relationship with my team-mate. Luckily Nick and
I work very well together.
What personal aims have you set yourselves for 2008?
Kubica:
I will always give 100 percent and am looking to finish in
the points on a consistent basis.
Heidfeld:
I’m aiming to squeeze the maximum from both myself and
the BMW Sauber F1.08, to minimise mistakes and to keep on
developing as a driver.
The first night race in F1 history does not take place until
September (in Singapore), but the idea has already been floated
of holding further races in the dark.What do you think of
this possibility?
Heidfeld:
I’m generally a fan of all things new, so I can’t
wait to see how it all works in Singapore and what the atmosphere
is like. The plan is to use artificial light to BMW Sauber
F1Team illuminate the race track as if it were daylight. So
there is no comparison with the Le Mans 24-hour race, where
I once drove in the dark.
Kubica:
I don’t think there will be any problems if the weather
plays along. We will probably notice hardly any difference
to a normal race. But things might turn out rather differently
if it rains, as reflections from the floodlights could have
a negative effect on visibility. However, I’m sure that
the FIA has planned for that eventuality as well and will
ensure that the race takes place safely.
And looking ahead to Melbourne…
Kubica:
I’m a fan of street circuits, so I also like going to
Melbourne. I’ve always been very quick there in the
past. But I also like the atmosphere in the city, and the
friendly, motorsport-mad fans there. At any rate, I can hardly
wait for practice to start for the Australian Grand Prix.
It will finally put an end to the weeks of speculation caused
by winter testing.
Heidfeld:
The opening race of the season is always something special.
I like the Melbourne circuit, as it has a character very much
of its own – a cross between a street circuit and a
permanent race track. As the circuit is not constantly used
for racing, grip levels are extremely low particularly during
the initial practice sessions. With no traction control or
engine braking control it will certainly be a big challenge.
Added to which, the weather has sometimes come up with the
odd surprise in the past. For me, there is the extra attraction
that Australia is my favourite travel destination, and I’ll
have a couple of days’ holiday there before the race.
Basically, I’m just really looking forward to the season
finally getting underway.
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