BMW Sauber are convinced they have done the right thing in adopting an adventurous approach to the design of their 2008 car.
Technical boss says F1.08 "considerably quicker" than predecessor
BMW Sauber are convinced they have done the right thing in adopting an adventurous approach to the design of their 2008 car, although they have admitted a few teething problems.
The F1.08's design philosophy was described as a "radical evolution" by technical director Willy Rampf at last month's launch, but Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica's lap times in testing have not showed much of an improvement.
However, despite the lack of immediate progress, Rampf insists the team's "calculated risk" is the best way to catch frontrunners Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes.
"In order to make a step forward our engineers pushed it to the limit in many different areas like aerodynamics, suspension, cooling, brakes, steering feedback and others," he told the official Formuala One website.
"This approach is the only option if you want to close the gap to the front-runners. You don't get to the top just by being conservative.
"The benchmark in Formula One is on a level that forces you to take calculated risks. And that's exactly what we did.
"For us as a team it's a new experience to work on such a level and we are going through a learning process which will make us even more competitive."
Benefits
Rampf is confident that Heidfeld and Kubica will soon start seeing the benefits of the F1.08.
"There is no doubt that the F1.08 is considerably quicker that the F1.07, but it is more difficult to exploit its full potential at any given time and condition," he said.
"We still need a better understanding of the car, and we are learning every day. However, I have no doubt that we are getting there."
