BMW Sauber Bahrain test notes 2007-02-23

Programme: In a trouble-free morning session Robert Kubica started by finding a baseline set-up as it was his first day of testing in Bahrain. He then continued with further set-up work.

Nick Heidfeld carried out the scheduled aerodynamic tests and did a qualifying simulation during which he set today's overall fastest lap.

After the lunch break the BMW Sauber F1 Team carried out a detailed and successful race simulation, imitating the entire procedure including installation lap at 13.30 hrs, waiting time on the grid etc.

At 14.00 hrs sharp the team's race began, covering the full 57 laps of the Bahrain GP distance with a two-stop strategy for both cars. The pit crew proved they hadn't forgotten anything over the winter, both F1.07 cars were reliable - and last but not least, the team was lucky because not a single red flag interrupted the first 2007 race simulation. The race pace of the cars was as expected and the team was very happy with this test day.

Correction to yesterday's report: The published test kilometres where wrong as they inadvertently gave only the afternoon's kilometres and laps. The correct figures for Wednesday are: Sebastian Vettel covered 563 kilometres (104) laps, Heidfeld 265 kilometres (49 laps).

What comes next: For Saturday, the final day of the first Bahrain test, Heidfeld and Kubica will continue to drive. Kubica will test new damper settings and different set-ups before he carries out another aerodynamic test. Heidfeld will focus on tyre testing and then will also do an aerodynamic test.

Nick Heidfeld
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.07-02 / BMW P86/7 V8
Test kilometres today: 563 km (104 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:30.469 min

Robert Kubica
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.07-04 / BMW P86/7 V8
Test kilometres today: 541 km (100 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:32.220 min

-credit: bmw sauber