TEAM BMW SAUBER

Team Drivers: Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica

Based out of Switzerland and Germany, the BMW Sauber team has just begun to take center stage after years of learning from the big boys. Started in 1993 by Peter Sauber, the team entered mainly as a private team and despite tempting offers, resisted teaming up with a big-time manufacturer.
Sauber received support from Mercedes but ordinary results led to a crash in the relationship. So in 1994, they shifted to Ford for a change in fortunes, and how! Team driver, Heinz Herald Frentzen drove the Sauber like a man possessed and got them their first ever Podium finish in the 1995 Belgian Grand Prix.

Sauber tied up with Ferrari to use their Engine technology, badged as Petronas, from 1997 to 2005. Sauber Petronas, as they were then known, never scored a race win, a pole position, or a ‘fastest lap’ in Formula One. The team's most successful season was 2001, when it finished fourth in the constructors' championship. Kimi Räikkönen and Nick Heidfeld brought home glory for the team in 2001. The former making his debut in the sport.

In 2005, Ferrari gave way to BMW who bought Sauber. 2006 brought new hope for the newly formulated team and they were quick to sign Nick Heidfeld, who BMW had worked with at Williams, BMW was rather reluctant to allow Jacque Villeneuve to complete his two year deal although eventually, they did.

Sauber was now rebranded as BMW-Sauber, but failed to create an impact during the opening race of the season with Villeneuve suffering an engine failure, and Heidfeld finishing a disappointing 12th.

The Home Grand Prix of Germany saw the situation reach its lowest point for BMW, with their two drivers crashing on the opening lap. A few laps later, a recovered Villeneuve suffered another heavy crash and although he walked away unhurt, the car was unable to continue. This led to him being dropped from the team in favour of test driver Robert Kubica.

Robert Kubica came as a white knight for the team and his presence was effective immediately. He sparked an upsurge in BMW's performance with Heidfeld claiming the team's maiden podium finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Heidfeld claimed two additional points finishes and BMW finished fifth in their debut season in Formula One.

2007 saw BMW finish at second place mainly due to McLaren’s disqualification for involvement in the spying scenario.

The BMW's F1.07 proved to have both the pace and the reliability needed to succeed. They proved to be extremely competitive and made the Ferraris and McLarens stand up and take notice of a new 'super power' constructor.

The team suffered only six retirements during the season, of which five were due to either engine or mechanical failures. It was impressive reliability record for the still growing team.

Two podium finishes from Heidfeld, which included a second placed finish at the Canadian GP, were more indications that BMW had become a force in Formula One.

In 2008 the team retains the same line-up and although victories may still be a season away, BMW are on the road to F1 success. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica will be searching for their elusive maiden Grand Prix victory.

Team Boss : Mario Theissen

Races : 40

Race Wins : 0

Constructor's Championships : 0

Engine : BMW P86 (V8)

Chassis : F1.08 Carbon-fibre monocoque

Suspension : Sachs

Brakes : Brembo Carbon

Tyres : Bridgestone

Transmission : Semi-auto 7 speeds

Engine power : Over 18,500 rpm

GearBox : 7-speed quick shift gearbox, longitudinally mounted

Weight : 605 kgs (including driver, camera and ballast)

Dimensions : 4610mm x 1800 mm x 1000mm

Valves : 4 valves per cylinder, pneumatic valve system

Total displacement : 2.4 litres

Designer : Christoph Zimmermann

Test driver : Christian Klien, Marko Asmer