BMW not expecting performance loss

In 2004, new regulations meant only one engine could be used for an entire race weekend and that will be extended even further next season. Engines will have to last for two races in 2005 but BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen predicts that performance won't suffer.

"I don't expect a pronounced performance loss," he said, according to the Williams website. "Yet I think that the Formula One teams will opt for an even more purposeful use of their engines. For the tyre evaluation tests on Friday, for example, it's irrelevant if the engines rev to 18,000 or 19,000 rpm."

Come 2006, the engine capacity will be reduced to a 2.8 litre V8, a rule that BMW was initially opposed to. Now, however, the manufacturer has accepted the idea and Theissen is confident they can rise to the challenge.

"At BMW, the change of concept has caused high pressure and the respective cost increase," he commented. "The development programme had to be condensed."

"Currently, I'm not able to state a date for the engine's first test stand run, but the team that has produced the benchmark for Formula One engines in recent years will also successfully solve this task."

Theissen conceded that 2004 was disappointing for Williams but is ready to rejoin the fight next year. "We have seen that the team has got the power and the ability to make it back to the top, even under the most difficult circumstances," he said. "This provides me with confidence for the forthcoming season."