By BMW Sauber F1 Team
December 9 2008

On Tuesday, the BMW Sauber F1 Team kicked off a three-day testing program in Jerez de la Frontera. Nick Heidfeld and Christian Klien took to the track for the Munich and Hinwil-based team. The session was hampered by heavy fog in the morning and some rain in the afternoon.

Nick Heidfeld Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08B-03 / BMW 86/9   Test kilometres today: 217 km (49 laps)   Fastest lap: 1:20.678 min

Christian Klien Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.08B-06 / BMW 86/9 KERS   Test kilometres today: 67 km (15 laps)   Fastest lap: 1:22.098 min

Programme: Due to heavy fog early in the morning, the BMW Sauber F1 Team did not start today’s testing until around 11.00 hrs. Nick Heidfeld and Christian Klien ran two F1.08B interim cars featuring a modified 2008 chassis with some of the bodywork complying to the 2009 regulations. Only Klien’s car was fitted with BMW’s own KERS device. His test schedule was curtailed by a precautionary engine change. The Austrian stopped off track when sensors indicated a mechanical problem.  

Heidfeld today concentrated on setup work with the suspension as well as the new aero package. Although the session came to a premature end when it started to rain at around 15.00 hrs, he collected valuable data with the F1.08B running on 2009 slick tyres. “Based on the results of the last test in Barcelona we changed the mechanical setup of the car,” Heidfeld said. “It looks like we are moving in the right direction.”  

Weather conditions: Heavy fog in the morning, some rain in the afternoon. Temperature: Air: 9 – 16 °C, Track: 11 – 15 °C

Number of drivers participating: 9 from 6 teams

Fastest lap overall: Sébastien Buemi (Scuderia Toro Rosso) 1:18.742 min Circuit length: 4.428 km

What comes next:   The BMW Sauber F1 Team will continue testing in Jerez for two more days. Tomorrow Nick Heidfeld will again be at the wheel of the BMW Sauber F1.08B, along with Robert Kubica. On Thursday Robert Kubica and Christian Klien will be on duty.