Zoom The diffuser downforce race continues in Germany

With just eight points from the season to date, BMW Sauber head to their home Grand Prix at the Nurburgring next week determined to try and close the gap to the front runners in what is proving to be a trying season for the Hinwil-based outfit.

With just three points finishes in the first eight races, the team hope that its latest double-decker diffuser design will help turn around their fortunes, something that Team Principal Mario Theissen seems relatively confident of.

"Going into the German Grand Prix, we cannot be happy with the season so far," admitted Theissen. “After three successful years, this recent period has been the first set-back for our team - and is one we will overcome. After all, this is the same team in Munich and Hinwil that has delivered continuous improvements since the team was founded."

"We are all absolutely determined to start moving forwards again and I expect us to experience an upturn in form," he continued. "It is certainly not easy to make up lost ground without the chance to do any testing, but that is what we’re aiming to do."

Head of Engineering Willy Rampf is keen to put the team’s latest disappointment behind them and put on a good show for the German fans. The German however remains more cautious.

“We will be bringing a modified version of our double-decker diffuser to the Nurburgring, and we have also made improvements on the mechanical side. Much will doubtless depend on how successful we are at getting the tyres to work...”

Earl ALEXANDER
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