BMW are happy with the way their 2007 car has performed so far. On Friday, the car ran over 100 laps and everything went smoothly.
Technical Director Willy Rampf said, “We are pleased with the first test of the F1.07. No doubt that the car has much potential. After the roll-out on Tuesday, we were able to start working on the different systems during the following days. This included the set- up of the quick shift gearbox as well as checking the hydraulic and the cooling systems.”
“During the past two days we focused manly on the set-up of the car. It was good to see that the car reacts with good correlation to our simulations. This confirms that we have a solid basis for the ongoing development.”
BMW will also be testing in Valencia at the end of January and are confident that Kubica will not have a problem using the new Bridgestone tyres, although he personally has worries.
“You have to drive really smooth with these tyres,” said Kubica. “At least with our car I struggled with stability on braking, which was causing a lot of problems on the entry to corners. So if nothing has changed in the car, then probably you will not see any more driving from me as aggressive as I was last year. I am worried that I will have to learn everything from new, because I have driven the last five years like this.”
Mario Theissen, BMW motorsport director, has said he believes in Kubica. “The tyres certainly are less peaky than the tyres we used this year,” Theissen explained. “Drivers with a smooth driving style will be happier with the tyres than maybe Robert or maybe Fernando Alonso, but in the end a good, strong driver will adapt to the situation.”
