European Grand Prix - Preview
By BMW Sauber F1 Team
August 14 2009
Munich/Hinwil, 14th August 2009. Following the announcement by BMW that it will be pulling out of Formula One at the end of the season, the members of the BMW Sauber F1 Team now have an extra source of motivation; performing as well as possible will promote their case for a future in the sport.
Robert Kubica:
“I really enjoyed the Valencia circuit a lot. I like the character of stop-and-go tracks. In Valencia you have a lot of long straights followed by narrow corners and long straights again. That means a lot of heavy braking. It was very hot there last year as the track is between concrete walls and there is not a lot of air. These conditions are very tough for the car’s cooling. Last year I performed quite well in Valencia.”
Nick Heidfeld:
“Valencia is a street circuit, but it doesn’t drive like one. In fact it’s just like one of the modern race tracks. You’re not right up against the buildings, there isn’t the tightness you usually get at street circuits, but there are run-off areas. I’m excited to find out what effect the latest modifications will have on our car. Valencia is a great city, of course, and I’m looking forward to going back to a fine restaurant which I discovered on my last visit.”
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“Clearly we’re all disappointed about the decision to withdraw from Formula One. The team had established itself at the top in just three years and we would love to have shown that the poor results we’ve had this season were just a blip. Now our work is focusing on the next few months. While efforts are continuing behind the scenes to find a solution for the team, everybody is aware that putting in good performances at the circuits is the best way to advertise their abilities. We want to get back into the fast lane, and so the development packages for Valencia and Singapore will be put into practice as planned.”
Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“The race in Valencia was a new addition to the calendar last year and represents a real gain for Formula One. The track, which is built into the port area of the city and has 25 corners, boasts a unique character all of its own. It is a street circuit, but cannot really be compared with Monaco, for example. Indeed, it is wider and allows a much higher average speed. Plus, there are generous run-off areas at practically all the potential trouble spots around the track, which guarantees a high level of safety. Despite the two-week summer break, during which the factory in Hinwil was closed, we will bring a development package to Valencia headed by numerous aerodynamic parts.”
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Racing against the machine!
We spent at least half an hour with Phil and Jan to find somewhere to eat before F1.09 launch
BTW. Nonetheless I will miss BMW car launches
And it seems that no team is going to stage some proper presentation next year (vide: cutting costs) 
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:08:16:20:47:05 by barteks.
I am glad we are finally in Grand Prix week. 4 weeks break is a bit too long in my opinion...
Considering how heavily ironic life can be... I would not be surprised if we start to perform from now on LOL
Quote:barteks
Good idea! In fact it's quite difficult to find ANY open restaurant in Valencia in the evening
BTW. Nonetheless I will miss BMW car launches
Mind you there's a diffirent life schedule in Spain, with lunch generally starting at 2pm rather than 12, and dinner at 9pm rather than 6-8.
My bad I couldnt arrive any ealier to help you finding a good one, but hopefully sometime soon...
Ill miss bimmer launches too. While I did expect from the crisis that they would be no longer that luxurious, I had already settled for that and awaited the coming years one's with some enthusiasm. Hopefully, if the team survives, they'll still do something decent, even if in Switzerland.
Anyway, I hope Gemm you are right lol Time for results now
Racing against the machine!