Zoom A major aero update on the F1.09 expected

Before the next Grand Prix in Spain, teams will be engaged in a different race - for development.

With the opening four flyaway races now complete, the outfits have decamped to their European bases to prepare for the first continental round of the season, in Barcelona next month. Most - if not all - teams will unveil at the Circuit de Catalunya substantial upgrades for their 2009 challengers.

"Whether our upgrade will be as big as some others, we don't know," Brawn Chief Executive Nick Fry admitted.

For some of the struggling teams, including giants Ferrari, McLaren and BMW Sauber, the progress made in Spain will be crucial to their championship campaigns.

"I'm not one of those people who was saying after two races that the championship was over," McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh said before leaving Bahrain.

BMW Sauber, having put only four points on the board so far, are desperate that a major Barcelona upgrade works.

"Today, it looks like we are behind, but if the package is good the picture can change within two weeks," said boss Mario Theissen.

The same is true of Ferrari, which despite finally opening its points account in Bahrain is still in the midst of its worst ever start to a world championship tilt.

"For sure it's an important race, because it will be an important step on the car, but I don't want to say that Spain is our last chance," said team boss Stefano Domenicali.

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: GMM