Belgian GP: BMW Sauber Friday practice notes

Both BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, were pleased to be back racing at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a favourite with all the Formula One drivers. However, they both admitted they have to analyse the information from Friday's free practice as neither driver is completely happy with his car's set-up.

Nick Heidfeld:

"We had no technical problems, but I'm not satisfied with my car's balance yet, although I think this is also down to the fact I didn't attend the test here. Friday's practice times are always difficult to interpret. I feel our team will also be the third strongest here. Spa is a very nice track. However, after the change from the V10 to the V8 engines you can go Eau Rouge and Blanchimont flat out without a problem, so the circuit has lost its ultimate thrill."

Robert Kubica:

"The day was okay. We did a lot of running, but unfortunately again the grip level is quite poor. Now we have to analyse why the car feels different today than in the test. The conditions for the test were similar but with some rain, which should have been an advantage today, but it was not the case."

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):

"Spa is a very demanding track, in every respect. As usual, we concentrated fully on race preparation and started working on the set-up of the cars. We then completed the long-runs with the two tyre specifications and also tested different aero configurations. It was indeed a very comprehensive programme today, which we were able to complete without any technical problems."

Nick Heidfeld
BMW Sauber F1.07-08/BMW P86/7
1st Practice: 4th, 1:48.052 min
2nd Practice: 11th, 1:48.606 min

Robert Kubica
BMW Sauber F1.07-03/BMW P86/7
1st Practice: 6th, 1:48.605 min
2nd Practice: 9th, 1:48.279 min

-credit: bmw sauber