BMW's Theissen throws down the gauntlet...
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
BMW's Theissen throws down the gauntlet...
I love it when a team starts talking smack before the season has even started.
I'm seriously thinking of being a BMW fan this year. I think I'll be dropping Red Bull bacause my appreciation for what DC did at the Michelin Tire Debacle has grown thin, and other than that, Red Bull does not give me a lot to be proud of.
Better order me up a new hat...
BMW WARNING FOR TOP TEAMS
By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Munich
BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has warned Ferrari and McLaren they will not have it all their own way in the new Formula One season. While BMW Sauber collected points in every grand prix last year - with Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica at the wheel - Ferrari and McLaren won every race.
At the unveiling of their challenger for next season at the home of BMW in Munich, Theissen wore a smile borne from confidence as the new car - the F1.08 - took the spotlight. "We have come quite a long in the two and a half years since the new team was created," said Theissen, as BMW took over from Sauber in 2005. "We've since had two strong seasons, and we've put in a lot of effort on the new car, which includes what we have learned over the past two years. "I think we will make a big step forward, and we are very confident this year it will be a battle of more than two teams."
For Theissen, the goal is naturally for BMW Sauber to win a race as that is something they have yet to do. "It will be difficult because the two teams in front of us are the strongest and most experienced," added Theissen. "They will have made a big leap over the winter as well, which means we have to improve more than they will. "But after making progress over the last two years, I am really confident we can do it again and close the gap."
Theissen's confidence stems from the fact the team have completed their two-year development phase, notably in terms of building their factory at Hinwil and employing relevant staff. The team now employs 730 people - 430 in Hinwil and 300 in Munich - with Theissen stating: "We are really looking forward to the new season. "In terms of size we are still a midfield team, but in terms of ambition are a front-runner."
It is the drivers, though, who have to deliver, and both feel they can improve on last season when Heidfeld won 61 points and Kubica 39. That helped the team finish second in the constructors' championship due to McLaren being docked all team points. "I'm very excited because the people in the factory are happy with the progress, and it is the most beautiful car I've ever seen," enthused Heidfeld. "I know it doesn't mean anything in terms of speed, but because of that I'm looking forward to the coming days and weeks, and I'm sure I can win races. "It obviously depends on the car, but in theory we should be able to close the gap to the cars in front of us." Kubica, who last season suffered a massive shunt in the Canadian Grand Prix which saw him miss one race, said: "As Nick mentioned we have made great progress compared to 2006 and 2007. "All the people who have worked on this car have given their all, and I feel we can show to the whole world and the BMW Sauber fans that we can win a race this season."
www.sportinglife.com
By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Munich
BMW Sauber boss Mario Theissen has warned Ferrari and McLaren they will not have it all their own way in the new Formula One season. While BMW Sauber collected points in every grand prix last year - with Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica at the wheel - Ferrari and McLaren won every race.
At the unveiling of their challenger for next season at the home of BMW in Munich, Theissen wore a smile borne from confidence as the new car - the F1.08 - took the spotlight. "We have come quite a long in the two and a half years since the new team was created," said Theissen, as BMW took over from Sauber in 2005. "We've since had two strong seasons, and we've put in a lot of effort on the new car, which includes what we have learned over the past two years. "I think we will make a big step forward, and we are very confident this year it will be a battle of more than two teams."
For Theissen, the goal is naturally for BMW Sauber to win a race as that is something they have yet to do. "It will be difficult because the two teams in front of us are the strongest and most experienced," added Theissen. "They will have made a big leap over the winter as well, which means we have to improve more than they will. "But after making progress over the last two years, I am really confident we can do it again and close the gap."
Theissen's confidence stems from the fact the team have completed their two-year development phase, notably in terms of building their factory at Hinwil and employing relevant staff. The team now employs 730 people - 430 in Hinwil and 300 in Munich - with Theissen stating: "We are really looking forward to the new season. "In terms of size we are still a midfield team, but in terms of ambition are a front-runner."
It is the drivers, though, who have to deliver, and both feel they can improve on last season when Heidfeld won 61 points and Kubica 39. That helped the team finish second in the constructors' championship due to McLaren being docked all team points. "I'm very excited because the people in the factory are happy with the progress, and it is the most beautiful car I've ever seen," enthused Heidfeld. "I know it doesn't mean anything in terms of speed, but because of that I'm looking forward to the coming days and weeks, and I'm sure I can win races. "It obviously depends on the car, but in theory we should be able to close the gap to the cars in front of us." Kubica, who last season suffered a massive shunt in the Canadian Grand Prix which saw him miss one race, said: "As Nick mentioned we have made great progress compared to 2006 and 2007. "All the people who have worked on this car have given their all, and I feel we can show to the whole world and the BMW Sauber fans that we can win a race this season."
www.sportinglife.com
Better order me up a new hat...
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From: Montgomery, NY
I like this part
>>> this year it will be a battle of more than two teams
I sure hope so!
I watched Speed Report last night and they had some good coverage of the F1 unveilings, ALMS and the fast approaching Rolex race. Most all the drivers agreed it's better to be lucky than good
If you can stand all the other stuff they throw in that's actually a good hour to catch.
I'm getting DVR this week and I will be able to see all of the TV coverage for the Rolex race (I'm out of town that weekend). Not sure why Fox gets to start off race coverage but most of it will be shown on Speed.
>>> this year it will be a battle of more than two teams
I sure hope so!
I watched Speed Report last night and they had some good coverage of the F1 unveilings, ALMS and the fast approaching Rolex race. Most all the drivers agreed it's better to be lucky than good
If you can stand all the other stuff they throw in that's actually a good hour to catch.I'm getting DVR this week and I will be able to see all of the TV coverage for the Rolex race (I'm out of town that weekend). Not sure why Fox gets to start off race coverage but most of it will be shown on Speed.
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
Originally Posted by Tadashi,Jan 14 2008, 08:35 AM
I'm getting DVR this week...
I do not miss anything when it comes to races even though many of them are on weekends when I'm at the track for a driving school, but thanks to antique technology I can keep up.
I have boxes and boxes of these things, I even have the last season Senna drove on tape someplace...
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From: Montgomery, NY
I was so hoping you were not posting a BetaMax picture
I did the VHS thing for years but you can only fit 6 hours on a tape!!! That was going to be my plan for the 26th too but for only $15/month additional on the cable bill I decided even MY budget could afford DVR
I have too many plans to be gone too many days in a row this year and I hate missing racing
I did the VHS thing for years but you can only fit 6 hours on a tape!!! That was going to be my plan for the 26th too but for only $15/month additional on the cable bill I decided even MY budget could afford DVR
I have too many plans to be gone too many days in a row this year and I hate missing racing
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From: Toronto & FnF ssauga
I think BMW are almost there. I honestly think the engine package is there and not of any concern. If anything, its their aero pkg that may be sub par. I don't know why they cannot make it difficult for McLaren or Ferrari. I guess it really comes down to the aero pkg and the drivers to be hungry and drive it "balls off" every lap.. I am forecasting they do get their first win in 2008. Let's just hope they don't turn out to be another Toyota.
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
Originally Posted by s2ksimon,Jan 14 2008, 09:58 AM
Let's just hope they don't turn out to be another Toyota.
From my point of view if BMW just takes the next step forward from last year, I agree, 2008 will see them taking a win.
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From: Toronto & FnF ssauga
^ I'm hoping..
My views have changed over the years. I honestly think Toyota should just leave F1 all together and give another manufacturer a chance. They no longer have what it takes to be competitive in F1 and they no longer make any kind of sporty road car, for consumers to enjoy. They should stay with trucks.
My views have changed over the years. I honestly think Toyota should just leave F1 all together and give another manufacturer a chance. They no longer have what it takes to be competitive in F1 and they no longer make any kind of sporty road car, for consumers to enjoy. They should stay with trucks.
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
Originally Posted by s2ksimon,Jan 14 2008, 11:12 AM
I honestly think Toyota should just leave F1 all together and give another manufacturer a chance. They no longer have what it takes to be competitive in F1 and they no longer make any kind of sporty road car, for consumers to enjoy. They should stay with trucks.
And this is funny, and oh so brutally true - they no longer make any kind of sporty road car. Compared to Nissan Toyota has nothing.
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From: Brackley, Tochigi
Originally Posted by Triple-H,Jan 14 2008, 08:18 AM
I'm seriously thinking of being a BMW fan this year.
I already know the answer. I love that you will say yes with a straight face, and think there is nothing wrong with claiming devotion to Craparri, but cheering THEIR rival to glory.
I would KILL to play cards with you.... I need 2008 Honda Racing F1 team kit