BMW - We'll stay aggressive

We're definitely a top three outfit now, says team boss

Last updated: 7th April 2008

Mario Theissen

Theissen: Ahead of schedule

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BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has vowed that they will continue the aggressive approach which has handed them the early lead in the Constructors' Championship as the season progresses.

The Swiss-German team leapt to the top of the standings following the respective third and fourth place finishes of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Kubica failed to build on his career-first pole position as Felipe Massa swept past him at the start before eventually leading home team-mate Kimi Raikkonen in a one-two finish for Ferrari.

But, with both Ferrari and rivals McLaren-Mercedes suffering ups and downs in the opening three races, BMW Sauber's consistency - either Heidfeld or Kubica taking podium finishes - has reaped its reward.

Such consistency is arguably a surprise given the aggressive approach the team have adopted with both the design and development of their F1.08 car.

But, as they pursue their stated aim of a maiden win in 2008, Theissen says there is little point in changing a plan which has worked so well thus far.

"It's true we are ahead of schedule - which concerns me a bit because if we go on like this we will get criticised for third or fourth place in future!" Theissen joked.

He added: "But I'm extremely delighted to see how close we were to the two cars in front of us at the finish.

"I would say throughout the weekend we were certainly second in terms of performance.

"The next race (Spanish Grand Prix) in Barcelona will be pretty interesting for two reasons.

"The track is very relevant to what we see for the rest of the year, and on the other hand, every team will have a development package for Barcelona.

"So after Barcelona we will be able to judge where we really are.

"But I can assure you we will still be as aggressive as we have planned.

"It doesn't change our overall plan because that is still to win our first race this year, and we haven't achieved that so far.

"I'm sure it will come, maybe not right away on merit, but anything can happen in a race."

Outperformed

Although BMW Sauber outperformed McLaren in Bahrain, Theissen believes the Woking-based team will back on song at the Spanish Grand Prix in three weeks' time.

Dismissing suggestions of a two-way title fight between Ferrari and his team, Theissen added: "I don't think so.

"If we look at the past three races, not one team has performed perfectly at all of them.

"In Bahrain, McLaren were not up to their real performance, whereas Barcelona has always been a McLaren track, so let's wait and see what happens there.

"Although over the weekend we were clearly quicker than McLaren, I would rather say it's a fight between three top teams.

"It all depends on the track or on the form you have at the weekend as to who is first."