2007 F1 Preview: BMW Sauber
February 26th 2007 11:36
Car Number 9
Fast and formidable
Stats
D.O.B: 10 May 1977
Debut: Australia 2000, Prost-Peugeot
Starts: 115
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 1
Points: 79
After years toiling away in cars unworthy of his talent, Nick Heidfeld may have finally found himself sitting in a winner. Part of the custody arrangements of the Williams-BMW divorce stipulated that the diminutive German stick with BMW until the end of 2008. “Quick Nick” never expected BMW’s solo project to provide him with a winning car within a couple of seasons of their relationship, but things look promising in 2007. Heidfeld works incredibly hard inside and outside of the car. He has proven to be a fast driver, often performing minor miracles in uncompetitive cars, and also has a reputation for being one of the most technically canny drivers about. Shy and soft-spoken, but fast and hard-working, Heidfeld could shine in 2007, getting that elusive first win, and more. If planets align and a bit of overdue luck falls into Nick’s lap, he could, with his trademark consistency, be a distant chance for the title.
Car Number 10
Future superstar?
Stats:
D.O.B: 7 December 1984
Debut: Hungary 2006, BMW-Sauber
Starts: 6
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 0
Points: 6
Robert Kubica was undoubtedly the rookie sensation of 2006, despite only having a cameo role in BMW-Sauber’s season. After stepping into Jacques Villeneuve’s vacated seat, the Pole had merely six races to prove himself. He did so with aplomb. Despite several rookie mistakes, the vigour Kubica applies to his driving ignited a sense of enthusiasm within the rest of the team, and pushed his experienced teammate, Heidfeld onto a higher plane of performance. With the F1.07 looking like a competitive vessel, and Kubica looking to be a competitive driver, young Robert will be well worth watching in 2007. Once his tendency to overdrive the car wears off, which shouldn’t take long, Kubica could be a podium regular, and perhaps, just perhaps, the Polish anthem could blare out above the rostrum for the first time ever in Formula One.
The Team
BMW-Sauber F1
Starts:18
Wins: 0
Fastest Laps: 0
Poles: 0
Points: 36
WDC: 0
WCC: 0
Team Principal: Mario Theissen
Test Drivers: Sebastian Vettel (Ger), Timo Glock (Ger)
The new BMW is looking good
Even better for BMW, is that while their operation has run quite smoothly after the break-up, Williams disintegrated into rubble. Heading into 2007, the signs are that BMW will continue their run of good form, with the F1.07 being the revelation of winter testing, often gracing the summits of the timesheets.
It’s important that BMW don’t drop the ball however. So far, everything has gone right, and whether you can credit that to Theissen’s efficient brand of analytical leadership, or just plain luck, BMW must keep the momentum if they want to be winners.
Buying out Sauber has been a masterstroke. As humble as the Swiss outfit was, there was no denying that their engineering depth and expertise was substantial, and without mammoth funding, development was a slow moving beast. But with BMW’s cash flowing into the Hinwill facility's veins, and an increased workforce, the BMW-Sauber F1 team has the potential to win. Championships.
With Heidfeld and Kubica steering the F1.07, BMW have a mix of experience and youth, with huge dollops of talent all round. Although neither driver has won before, both are certainly capable if provided with the right machinery.
BMW have been the revelation of testing
There is a lot of justified confidence emanating from BMW’s factory. They have a fast car, two fast drivers and a thirst for success. If the car proves reliable, and their winter pace proves to be no fluke, then expect BMW to win a few races in 2007, and although highly unlikely, a title isn’t out of the question. Stranger things have happened.
In a Nutshell:
Strengths: A strong driver pairing; excellent resources; strong in testing
Weaknesses: Inexperience in the F1 game; reliability may be an issue; unfamiliar with Bridgestone rubber.
Scoreboard:
Drivers: 8/10
Engine: 8/10
Chassis: 8/10
Resources: 8/10
Personnel: 7/10
Total: 39/50
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