[rXpX]

I think perhaps this is a stepping stone for the BMW team. I don't think they will expect these results every race, but, it's a step in the right direction for sure.

[WXQMQFIr]

Ferrari will take the WCC this year, but I think BMW may come in second. With McLaren having restrictions on development of certain parts of the car, BMW may become the solid second team later in the season.

[gymnAnemoe]

Ferrari will take the WCC this year, but I think BMW may come in second. With McLaren having restrictions on development of certain parts of the car, BMW may become the solid second team later in the season.

It is beinning to look like Ferrari are a cut above the field!
As to your second point I think it's too close to call
But the girls insure me they will do everything in their power to keep the team motivated

[TNOULbr2]

Looking at race pace (fastest race laps) BMW have really bridged the gap over the past year. Their average fastest lap position was appx. 5th overall in 2007 and their fastest lap speeds were roughly 2.0 kph or 1% off the fastest laps on average last year. Their best fast lap position was 3rd, which they achieved 2 times (Can, Mon).

In 2008, BMW are 2nd in terms of fastest laps including one fastest overall and their WORST ranking has been 3rd fastest. The gap in terms of kph is down by 2/3 to just 0.6 or .3% off the fastest lap on average.

They will probably not beat the red machines for a chamionship, but a maiden win or P2 for the season is not out of the question. RD and MS might have to eat their words.

[KahiroSamo]

For a long time there has been a lot of scepticism about BMW and hesitations that they are not ready to fight at the top and will fall back, but BMW is constantly proving doubters wrong.

Pace-wise BMW is quite close to Ferrari. Kubica drove just a few seconds behind Räikkönen during the whole race and I think the gap was never over 10 seconds. Therefore it certainly can't be ruled out that BMW will compete for the title till the end. Both Ferrari (less-aero circuits) and McLaren (aero circuits) seem to have their weaknesses, while BMW seems to be the most consistent performer on every circuit. I guess that among the three title contenders McLaren is in the most critical situation. They seem to struggle on circuits with a lot of fast corners and while they seem to be capable of fighting for top results on street circuits (Aus, probably Mon, Can, Sin, Val too) and maybe on a fast circuit like Monza as last year, then being a distant third on the majority of the circuits is certainly alarming. They must make a leap forward during the next three weeks.

Heidfeld is maybe the most consistent driver on the grid. I even can't remember, when was the last time, when he made a costly mistake and lost a good result for the team. And even on his 'lesser days' he is quick enough to finish just a few seconds behind his team-mate. Kubica on the other hand seems to be one of the best qualifiers. BMW has a wonderful, well-balanced and quite even driver pairing. If the car is quick enough, those guys should definetely not be underestimated.

[esanamaserrn]

Prepare yourselves for BMW domination from 2010 onwards

They have made a great start, and provided they win a couple of races this season, will be 3rd guaranteed and maybe pushing the top 2 a bit to perform. 2009 will be the first time we see BMW shine and win consistently, and become a major front runner, and then from 2010, there will be no stopping them with Kubica and Heidfeld still going

[gymnAnemoe]

Prepare yourselves for BMW domination from 2010 onwards

They have made a great start, and provided they win a couple of races this season, will be 3rd guaranteed and maybe pushing the top 2 a bit to perform. 2009 will be the first time we see BMW shine and win consistently, and become a major front runner, and then from 2010, there will be no stopping them with Kubica and Heidfeld still going

The new aero regs are going to bennefit:
BMW, the Power Plant
Renault, Fred's Craft, and Renault Power

[Evdokia]

The new aero regs are going to bennefit:
BMW, the Power Plant
Renault, Fred's Craft, and Renault Power

I don't know why do you believe that Renault F1 engines are better than Toyota, Honda or let's say Ferrari?!

[KahiroSamo]

Actually I'm a bit sceptical that 2009 aero regs might obstruct BMW's rise. Their current F1 car is the most innovative in terms of aerodynamics and with winglets ban they may lose their advantage.

However, BMW was expected to struggle with electronics ban too, but didn't happen so and a top team should be able to cope with all kinds of rules and regulations.

[gymnAnemoe]

Actually I'm a bit sceptical that 2009 aero regs might obstruct BMW's rise. Their current F1 car is the most innovative in terms of aerodynamics and with winglets ban they may lose their advantage.

However, BMW was expected to struggle with electronics ban too, but didn't happen so and a top team should be able to cope with all kinds of rules and regulations.

In the words of Alex Zaknardi "BMW Power Man"
Seriously one can never be sure of teams strengths, and abilities, year to year
But BMW and a powerful engine is a good bet.

[gymnAnemoe]

I don't know why do you believe that Renault F1 engines are better than Toyota, Honda or let's say Ferrari?!

I don't necessarily. But I think they are every bit as good. More reliable than
all the ones you listed, and maybe able to make the most efficient use of kinetic energy.
Plus I was implying allegorically that Fred would add synergistically to its strength!

[Evdokia]

I don't necessarily. But I think they are every bit as good. More reliable than
all the ones you listed, and maybe able to make the most efficient use of kinetic energy.
Plus I was implying allegorically that Fred would add synergistically to its strength!

Sounds like PR talk to me!

[gymnAnemoe]

Sounds like PR talk to me!

Because I answered your question in three words?

[Evdokia]

Because I answered your question in three words?

What? Three??? I thought you can count up to 46!

[gymnAnemoe]

What? Three??? I thought you can count up to 46!

the question:I don't know why do you believe that Renault F1 engines are better than Toyota, Honda or let's say Ferrari?!

The answer:I don't necessarily

The unsolicited comentary: But I think they are every bit as good. More reliable than
all the ones you listed, and maybe able to make the most efficient use of kinetic energy.
Plus I was implying allegorically that Fred would add synergistically to its strength!

I come to this forum to have fun Not to insult people and take apart their opinions you do it like
it's a paying job!

[poekfpojoibien]

Something funny I read on itv.com today:

Ron Dennis seems to think that BMW 'can't match the 'top teams'' development pace' throughout the season.

Has Ron noticed who is leading the constructors' championship? And also that it is Heidfeld and not Hamilton who is second in the driver's championship? BMW are a big team now no matter what he or anyone else says or thinks.

[cucceevevaind]

No use my predicting that BMW will shake up the title rce this year; they have already done it. Finally, both of their drivers have cars which will show their full ability.

[Faigokilix]

I for one am really happy that BMW Sauber are doing so well this year.
I really hope they can keep it up. As for their drivers, Kubica seems to have the edge on Heidfeld and I'll wait to see if either can step ot up for a race win. I expect it to be very close in Monaco if they can qualify at the front of the grid.
I am also a little sad that BMW and Williams couldn't keep it together long enough for these kind of reseults...oh well

[poekfpojoibien]

But Williams are definitely better this season. They seem to be either very quick or very slow, the car can't seem to make up it's mind whether it's the 2007 Honda or the 2007 Ferrari!

[kaiayout]

Leading the constructors, with their drivers 2nd and 4th in the WDC. I can't see them maintaining their position ahead of McLaren, though.