BMW duo: New F1 cars are dangerous

Eurosport - Sun, 04 Jan 14:07:00 2009

BMW Sauber drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica have said the new breed of Formula One cars will be less safe than those in 2008.

FORMULA 1 2008 - Christian Klien tests 2009 BMW Sauber car - 0

The pair said the revised aerodynamic regulations, and the wider front wing in particular, could mean an increased likelihood of contact with other cars.

The rear wing is now narrower and taller, while the front wing is lowered and widened by 40cm.

"I can imagine that now we will see many more touches," German Heidfeld said. "Sitting inside the car, the driver cannot see the wing although, of course, you know it is there.

"However, in previous seasons, you knew you could take a chance (and not damage the wing); now I think there will be more problems, especially at the start.

"If everything continues as it has been, the 2009 season will be very dangerous."

Pole Kubica, who joined Heidfeld in using the new aero package in post-season testing, was of similar opinion.

"It is too wide," he told Marca. "I am curious to see how many of these wings will be flying in the first race in Australia - I believe that they are going to be flying from all sides."

Heidfeld also suggested that the revised configuration will make the cars harder to drive in 2009.

"After my first lap in testing, I thought about returning to the pits because the other drivers (without the new dimensions) did nothing but pass me," the veteran said.

"Compared to them, it seemed that I had stopped - and, in addition to that, it is very easy to spin. It is very, very dangerous."

Crash.Net / Eurosport

Comment 26 - 45 of 105

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  1. MGA, now you have baffled him

    From I TYSON, on Sun 4 Jan 6:55PM

  2. Marnio's comments are very reasonable..and I hate to say it true. Thos of you who have a go at him are a bit blind.

    From Gaunty, on Sun 4 Jan 6:54PM

  3. Hi marnio from peru my little F1 idiot
    Just a question which has puzzled me for sometime now mind you i don't expect a sensible answer but here goes.
    why do you feel the need to post the same thing on all the topics is this some Peruvian custom or do you just feel you need to be noticed?
    I Also notice you don't like to take on Bernard or who ever he chooses to be,why is this is the Peruvian brain not good or fast enough.
    Don't really look forward to your answer but I'm bored

    From MGA, on Sun 4 Jan 6:31PM

  4. marnio from peru, YOU A ONE BIG PR-CK, GET A LIFE AND GET OFF THIS POST.

    From I TYSON, on Sun 4 Jan 6:22PM

  5. Hi moron from the goat herding capital of poru. Gosh how I have missed your wisdom on the great British sport of motor racing. I hope you and your Lamas are well. Love Bernie xxxx

    From D S, on Sun 4 Jan 6:18PM

  6. To Marnio from Peru

    Get back in your box and keep your thoughts regarding the British award system to yourself. You are obviously just jealous as you not only don't have a Royal family, but don't have any formula 1 drivers!

    From Gavin O, on Sun 4 Jan 5:52PM

  7. Marnio from Peru, You really are a complete @#$%.
    Do you take lessons or does it come natural.

    From PAUL T, on Sun 4 Jan 5:51PM

  8. that car looks a joke i agree with u ian s

    From ian, on Sun 4 Jan 5:33PM

  9. It's witching hour boys. I'm off!
    I can't bear these @#$% marnio/ totally TV or whatever the walnut brained jerk calls itself.
    ¡Adios!

    From Count Louis Zborowski, on Sun 4 Jan 5:08PM

  10. marnio from peru
    Hi how are you today have to go now as im bidding on a very nice MGC on ebay

    From MGA, on Sun 4 Jan 4:56PM

  11. ian s: Interesting post, and I like the idea of "sharing" what could be seen as old specifications or technology. I don't think the bigger teams will like that though, which could make it all the more interesting, Ferrari and Mclaren throwing hissyfits because they were beaten by a Force India hybrid.

    To anyone wondering about the front wing in the photo, the wing does have to be within the width of the wheels, the overlap on the left of the picture comes as a result of perspective as the car is slightly angled. There is also the possibility that due to the car being a hybrid the 2009 BMW might of a slightly wider track and therefore the wing would fit it better. Of course, I am only speculating on that one.

    From ginger_gitt, on Sun 4 Jan 4:53PM

  12. Marion, the way I read the technical specs the front wing can't be wider than the car, lower than in 2008 and wider yes but still within the width of the fron wheels, it's all on the FIA site but isn't exactly a riveting read

    From Trevor, on Sun 4 Jan 4:28PM

  13. Ah Look!
    Totallytv again but calling itself daivibixian01!

    From Count Louis Zborowski, on Sun 4 Jan 4:25PM

  14. Shaun.
    We've had enough of Max thanks!!

    From Count Louis Zborowski, on Sun 4 Jan 4:15PM

  15. I don't think it's marnio.
    Different language. ...and very aggressive.

    From Count Louis Zborowski, on Sun 4 Jan 4:14PM

  16. ian s, great post, what you're proposing there is pretty much the spec of the old Champ Car, Seb Bourdais is a bit of a wizard in those!

    From , on Sun 4 Jan 4:13PM

  17. I don't think it's marnio.
    Different language. ...and very aggressive.

    From Count Louis Zborowski, on Sun 4 Jan 4:11PM

  18. ian s
    Very well thought out post.

    From MGA, on Sun 4 Jan 4:10PM

  19. I stand corrected, that front wing does seem to be wider than the front wheels! Can the teams narrow it down voluntarily, or does it have to be like that? The first few races of 2009 will be interesting.

    From , on Sun 4 Jan 4:09PM

  20. BERNARD GET LOST NO ONE READS YOUR CR-P

    From I TYSON, on Sun 4 Jan 4:09PM
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