[L6RLnyfl]

unless they start to win races, they will hardly win the WCC.
While Heidfeld could win the WDC if the Ferrari and McLaren guys keep doing juvenile mistakes every 3 or 4 races...

[Fiipolera]

'05, '06, '07 and now '08 is the fourth year of consistent improvement. I'm willing to suggest that they might break through for a win in 2008 and if trends continue might start to mix things up a bit on 2009.

This isn't some half-assed effort like Ford or Honda here - this is stayed and controlled pressure.

[Sheefeadalfuh]

The car is strong, no doubt about it. They only need an external factor like magical sensation from driver that has ability to implement the clever strategy.

Until they realize their mistake about neglecting two titles holder in lesser car, I see such half-baked commitment will not produce position more than challenging.

[poekfpojoibien]

I think they will be in with a chance for a while, depending on their developments between now and Barcelona.

They have the perfect combination of drivers, because they both suit different styles of racing. Kubica likes to go a bit lighter and is the type who will get pole positions, whereas Heidfeld puts more fuel in the tank, drives consistently quickly and comes good later in the race.

Strangely enough, they may have the best chance of the constructors championship as they could keep getting 10 points-plus at every Grand Prix.

If Robert had got a better start yesterday, and stayed ahead of Massa for a while, any one of the top four could have won the race. The Ferraris were never more than 10 seconds in front of the BMWs at any point.

[cucceevevaind]

Things can change quite rapidly in F1. Look at Renault winning two WDC's in a row then starting to fall off the pace last year, and this year even with Fernando back in the team, they are not competitive at all. The same can apply to either McLaren or Ferrari; and the converse could apply to BMW where they can improve. We are not talking about a dramatic improvement - only fractions of a second per lap will elevate them to be able to win races and the championship. And I see, in the team, two drivers who can do it.

[Sheefeadalfuh]

yeah although it also otherwise occurred.

The car improvement can't be decided during pre-season testing. BMW spent 2 years or more in order to be like we are seeing today. FA spent too much time in uncertainty before deciding to take back the seat at Renault. During his leave for McLaren, Renault practically left behind on keeping the car development, they may need to start everything from their nadir point.

[Smeaphvalialm]

As long as Ferrari and McLaren keep trading up-and-down races, BMW has a shot at the WCC. Reminds me of 1982 when Keke Rosberg won the WDC with only 1 race win (I just finished reading the book 1982 - fascinating year!)

[Evdokia]

Let's put it this way:

BMW had they driver qualify in the top 10 for 21 consecutive races!!!
None of the other top teams managed that, they don't even come close!!!

Consistency is what BMW and Heidfeld are about, they are also consistently improving.

I see them beating the McLaren on the WCC standing this season, they got the car and the drivers to do that!

[siklop]

Things can change quite rapidly in F1. Look at Renault winning two WDC's in a row then starting to fall off the pace last year, and this year even with Fernando back in the team, they are not competitive at all. The same can apply to either McLaren or Ferrari; and the converse could apply to BMW where they can improve. We are not talking about a dramatic improvement - only fractions of a second per lap will elevate them to be able to win races and the championship. And I see, in the team, two drivers who can do it.

interesting in that during the last broadcast the announcers were saying how alot of the ex-renault engineers are now employed by bmw.

[Immampdah]

I think that we will know after Barcelona. If BMW continue to be competitive with Ferrari and McLaren, I think that they will fight till the end.

[sposicke]

I reckon they are at their prime and can carry on for a while yet.

[Cgnebksb]

unless they start to win races, they will hardly win the WCC.
While Heidfeld could win the WDC if the Ferrari and McLaren guys keep doing juvenile mistakes every 3 or 4 races...

This is something very possible, although I'd have thought you'd need a race win or 2. Both drivers are picking up points every race. While Kubica has the pace, Heidfeld is very canny, and his racecraft is extremely good. For the good of the sport, the longer they stay in contention the better.

[hoconnor6605]

As long as Ferrari have Massa, BMW will be in contention for the WCC.

[MidwestMadman]

Let's put it this way:

BMW had they driver qualify in the top 10 for 21 consecutive races!!!
None of the other top teams managed that, they don't even come close!!!

Consistency is what BMW and Heidfeld are about, they are also consistently improving.

Kubica has been better than NH in all 3 races so far.

I see BMW as the team with the biggest amount of improvement left in the car now, they have really been a positive surprise.

[cucceevevaind]

As long as Ferrari have Massa, BMW will be in contention for the WCC.

This is rather confusing, seeing that Massa just won a GP and Kimi came second. If they keep that up, Ferrari will be very difficult to beat, especially if Lewis Hamilton also starts getting back to the front of the grid and race..

[Evdokia]

Kubica has been better than NH in all 3 races so far.

I see BMW as the team with the biggest amount of improvement left in the car now, they have really been a positive surprise.

Looking at the points standings I wouldn't say your point (no pun intended) has any support.

[Evdokia]

This is rather confusing, seeing that Massa just won a GP and Kimi came second.

You know, some are not always up to date.

[cbUDaNFRu]

I think Monaco, Hungary, Canada, Valencia and Singapore will be a good indication whether they can get a win or not.

[MpbY5dkR]

i think it depends on how they fare on returning to Europe - if they are able to keep up the pressure or even narrow the gap to Ferrari/fight off McLaren then they'll be up there all season.

However, if Ferrari and McLaren both improve a lot they might leave BMW behind a bit. having seen last season i'm inclined to belive that won't happen,as BMW were consistent all year, so must have been able to continue along a steep development curve.

i'd like to think they might even make a bit of a jump and challenge Ferarri (and hopefuly a resurgent McLaren) for wins at some point this year. if that happens the title race will be thrown wide open and the consistent scorers will be in the best positions

[poekfpojoibien]

Kubica has been better than NH in all 3 races so far.

I don't think so, considering Nick was 2nd in Australia and Robert didn't do very much in the race.

And considering Nick started 6th yesterday, he was only a couple of seconds behind Robert, and did the 2nd fastest lap, faster than Robert's. Both men did really well. Robert started off well and Nick finished well. And they raced all the way to the end making it more uncomfortable for Ferrari than they would have liked.

I'd say one to Nick (Australia), one to Robert (Malaysia) and one draw (Bahrain). I still think Heidfeld will win before Kubica but Kubica will get more pole positions.