Thats the question on a lot of people’s mind. While Renault had broken the duel for 1-2 years with their brief dream runs with Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, but the question resurfaced later on with their subsequent demise.
BMW Sauber though have emerged as a team that might be able to do it. Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica have been having one strong run after another in their BMW Sauber cars. They had 11 podium finishes in 2008 and their run in Canada 2008 was spectacular.
So can they go all the way in 2009 ? , can BMW Sauber be a serious contender in the in the constructor’s championship which has so far been dominated by Ferrari and McLaren.
When asked this question the drivers expressed a little doubt (though it was coupled with hope).
“The ideal would be to fight for the championship to the end and achieve better results than this year, but it’s difficult to predict.
“Next year is a big challenge with so many changes to the regulations. You have to be lucky to get the right direction straight away.”
Robert Kubica said , he was third in the driver’s championship in 2008.
The main worry seems to be with the new Aerodynamic parts and regulations. Heidfeld was worried with the new front wings which have been widened in the 2009 season. He felt that the increase would lead to more accidents.
“I can imagine that now we will see many more touches,” the German Nick Heidfeld said
“Sitting inside the car, the driver cannot see the wing although, of course, you know it is there. However, in previous seasons, when you knew you could take a chance , now I think there will be more problems, especially at the start.”
I certainly feel that BMW Sauber have the stuff to win the championship, but the drivers do need to be a little more confident, dont they ?
“I certainly feel that BMW Sauber have the stuff to win the championship, but the drivers do need to be a little more confident, dont they?”
the big questions are – can they keep up with development throughout the year, and how will a testing ban affect the team?
given how early this year’s car hit the track, they’re certain on schedule though.
sidepodcast
4 Jan 09 at 3:55 pm
Yeah, the testing ban is going to be a decider this season i think. It will essentially limit the changes made to the F1 car during the season, so people with early advantage might just go the distance.
Formula One Addict
8 Jan 09 at 5:16 pm
Mate Kubica is such a force that it is hard to not see BMW as a real force in 09
Robin
8 Jan 09 at 5:26 pm