'Third best' team of 2007 confident of moving up a notch in 2008.
by Russell Atkins
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Dr Mario Theissen is optimistic BMW has 'taken the next step' in its battle to join McLaren and Ferrari at the head of the Formula 1 field this year and claim its breakthrough grand prix triumph.
Testing of the Munich and Hinwil-based outfit's new F1.08 challenger has been stymied by high winds at Valencia this week, but BMW Motorsport Director Theissen is nevertheless convinced the team remains firmly on target to realise the third of the three objectives it set out back at the time of its formation from the former Sauber concern in late 2005. Points in 2006 were achieved, as were podiums in 2007 - so what chance victories in 2008?
"You can never rest on what you have achieved the year before," the 55-year-old insisted, speaking exclusively to Crash.net Radio, "but we are confident we have taken the next step. We're looking forwards, not backwards.
"I'm really excited about the new car. I've closely watched its development, but [the launch] was the first time for me to see it in its full livery, and it looks fantastic.
"Obviously [2008] will be very tough. Not only were these teams [Ferrari and McLaren] about half a second quicker than us last year, but they also have the strongest development capacity, so if we want to catch them it means we have to gain half a second more than them.
"We want to win our first race in 2008 though, and turn the fight between two teams at the front into a fight between three."
One key asset for BMW in the forthcoming campaign, he added, would be its driver line-up, with Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica both staying on-board for a second consecutive season. The duo notched up more than 100 points for the squad last year, and Theissen is positive both will be winners in the right machinery.
"Continuity is important," he underlined. "It's not just about talent in Formula 1 as a racing driver. It's also about passion, about experience, about professionalism, and I think we have two strong drivers.
"Nick is quite experienced already - he can do anything with the right car - and Robert has very good prospects. I hope he will have a strong season to enable him to really go for victories in the future."
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