11 replies to this topic

[aussief1]

BMW reveals BMW Sauber F1.09
20 January 2009 / Photos

The BMW Sauber Formula 1 team presented the team's 2009 contender to the media on Tuesday morning in Valencia. The team's drivers Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld unveiled the team's F1.09 shortly after nine o'clock. Kubica then took the car for its first lap of the southern Spanish circuit. The team goes into its fourth season with the ambitious aim of fighting for the World Championship title.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen reinforces the point: "We have set ourselves the task of further improving our performance relative to the rest of the field. The 1-2 in Canada and a total of eleven podium finishes in 2008 set an exacting standard. In 2009 we are looking to maintain our first-class reliability record while at the same time enhancing our performance levels so that we can be at the front of the pack on a consistent basis. We are aware that we are aiming extremely high. This is the final step in our development, and that's generally the hardest one to take."

Building the new car represented a massive challenge. Fundamental changes to the regulations have, in many cases, consigned the fruits of experience to the dustbin. Development work on what is a radically different race car got underway even earlier than usual. Indeed, the concept phase for the BMW Sauber F1.09 began back in February 2008. The 2009 car cuts a very different figure from all of its predecessors. Its nose is higher and much wider than before. The huge front wing consists of three elements and stretches across the full width of the car. The rear wing, on the other hand, is considerably slimmer - in line with the new regulations - and stands unusually high against the onrushing air. Intricate aerodynamic add-ons, such as air deflectors and cooling air exits, have been reduced to a minimum. Another eye-catching feature are the sidepods, which are now higher at the front.

2009 also marks the return of treadless tyres (slicks) to Formula One. These will deliver increased front-end grip, which makes moving more weight to the nose of the car an attractive proposition. Counteracting this, however, is another new development which the teams have the option of introducing in the upcoming season: KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). The component parts of this technology add extra weight at the rear of the car. Alongside aerodynamics and the optimum use of the slick tyres, the integration of KERS represents another key challenge for the engineers. To this end, the front axle has been modified and the rear axle is a new design.

Source : gpupdate.net

[aussief1]

Well I don't know about you guys but I like it. I honestly believe that this car in the hands of Robert Kubica can really take serious points off Ferrari and McLaren this year. My prediction is, and I will really stick my neck out here: come second in both World Championships with this car.

It sure is a contender. I expect a three way fight for the Constructors Championship between BMW, Ferrari and McLaren. And a four way fight for the Drivers Championship between: Felipe, Kimi, Lewis, and Robert.

[medilloni]

aussief1, on Jan 20 2009, 11:29 AM, said:

Well I don't know about you guys but I like it. I honestly believe that this car in the hands of Robert Kubica can really take serious points off Ferrari and McLaren this year. My prediction is, and I will really stick my neck out here: come second in both World Championships with this car.

It sure is a contender. I expect a three way fight for the Constructors Championship between BMW, Ferrari and McLaren. And a four way fight for the Drivers Championship between: Felipe, Kimi, Lewis, and Robert.

I'd agree aussie, I think relative to their competition they'll improve this year, which puts them right in the thick of it.  

The new car is great looking and lovely colour scheme - one of the best so far.  Apart from the wings, I think these cars look much better without all the winglets..... apart from the Renault, that's one fugly car.

[2//horns]

I like the BMW entry. I've taken to the aesthetics of these cars, in particular the Williams. With further development and concepts on wing designs I'm sure they'll compliment a little better to the overall look of these cars. Even so, they're sitting well with me, bar the Renault.  

Edited by 2//horns, 20 January 2009 - 02:38 PM.

[Kati]

did anyone notice the loss of sponsors, and the reduction of intel sponsoring quota? = less money

[Jean Todt]

Katy H., on Jan 20 2009, 05:26 PM, said:

did anyone notice the loss of sponsors, and the reduction of intel sponsoring quota? = less money

No, we wont Notice it since the team is fully owned by BMW, about $20 mill less is peanuts for a brand like BMW.

[The Rumble Strip]

I did wonder what impact losing sponsors would have myself.

Still can only aim for third best in my view.

[Kati]

abbas_gear, on Jan 20 2009, 06:13 PM, said:

No, we wont Notice it since the team is fully owned by BMW, about $20 mill less is peanuts for a brand like BMW.

bulls##t. and who told u all those is only 20 mi? specially intel and dell that pay not only for sponsorship placement but for image exploitation.

also, remember it's a cost cutting year, so if they dont get it for sponsors, i dont think money will come by itself.

Edited by Katy H., 20 January 2009 - 07:25 PM.

[Jez]

I actually like all the winglets and things on the 08 cars. BMW's looked evil in a hi tech way. But whatever makes for better racing is more important I guess.

[Rainmaster]

Jez, on Jan 20 2009, 11:16 PM, said:

I actually like all the winglets and things on the 08 cars. BMW's looked evil in a hi tech way. But whatever makes for better racing is more important I guess.

What happens when we find out we have ugly cars and still crappy racing?

Nice photos, I don't think the BMW looks too bad actually, the Mclaren is still the looker of the lot so far.

[mikathegreat2]

Looks more like the Formula BMW car than last years F1 car!

[The Rumble Strip]

At least the front wing looks normal, compared to the rest.