Today is BMW day. The big story is the unveiling of BMW Sauber's challenger for 2008, the F1.08. And it seems that I am getting into the habit of this being the only launch that I take much notice of. While other teams vary from McLaren's hire of Valencia last year to show off its MP4-22, to Williams deciding not even to have a launch this year, BMW stick with the sensible middle ground with a low key but impressive display in Munich. It is so much in keeping with the no-nonsense ethos of the team.
BMW F1.08
You can watch a video of the launch by hitting the Live Stream link on the BMW Sauber website, itself a demonstration of how to advertise yourself on the net, and there is a steady flow of photographs of the car appearing on all the usual sites and blogs.
At first sight, the F1.08 looks very much the same as last year's car but closer inspection reveals changes that might be quite significant. The car is slimmer both front and rear and the aerodynamic details more complex. Like all the other teams, BMW assures us that the front wing and other aspects will change before Melbourne so already we are into the hectic pace of development that is F1 during the season.
In essence, the car looks like what it is: an evolution of last year's car, retaining the best aspects while correcting previous mistakes. No risk involved, just good, solid development. And that is what we have come to expect from this team, understatement rather than hype, realism rather than hyperbole. They are aiming at a race win this year but I think they have the potential for many more than that. It is now almost a tradition that they exceed their goals for the year and, if they continue in that vein, the wins will start to flow.
Always, at this point, someone mentions Nick Heidfeld's lack of credibility as a winner. There are two reasons for this: he sports a beard and he has not yet won a GP. Both reasons can disappear in a moment and Nick be revealed as the champion who was overlooked. I have complete confidence that he can do it and don't believe that you have to look like a champion to win races. Heck, Massa has won races and he hardly looks the part.
And talking of Massa, Nick himself has no qualms about having to beat him and the other stars of F1. In an interview with Bild newspaper, he had this simple fact to refer to: "I know that in the past I have beaten every one of them." It's true and Nick has a quiet determination that will compensate for his apparent lack of showmanship.
So what of Kubica? He has a flair that Nick seems to lack but he also has still to prove himself the quicker of the two. That proved an impossible task last year and will be just as difficult in the coming season. This morning I saw a comment somewhere about Marko Asmer being chosen as a BMW Sauber test driver and Heidfeld having to watch his back as a result. But I would say that it's young Kubica who needs to be looking over his shoulder, not Nick. Am I right, Heikki?
Whoever comes out on top, it's a good driver pairing. Both want to win and yet are sensible enough to know that the team is a priority. The gap to Ferrari and McLaren may have looked insurmountable last year but I suspect that it will have disappeared in 2008. BMW may not have sprinted ahead of the top two but they will be contending for wins, I think.
And, if there is any justice in the world, Nick Heidfeld will be the most unexpected champion for years.
BMW F1.08
You can watch a video of the launch by hitting the Live Stream link on the BMW Sauber website, itself a demonstration of how to advertise yourself on the net, and there is a steady flow of photographs of the car appearing on all the usual sites and blogs.
At first sight, the F1.08 looks very much the same as last year's car but closer inspection reveals changes that might be quite significant. The car is slimmer both front and rear and the aerodynamic details more complex. Like all the other teams, BMW assures us that the front wing and other aspects will change before Melbourne so already we are into the hectic pace of development that is F1 during the season.
In essence, the car looks like what it is: an evolution of last year's car, retaining the best aspects while correcting previous mistakes. No risk involved, just good, solid development. And that is what we have come to expect from this team, understatement rather than hype, realism rather than hyperbole. They are aiming at a race win this year but I think they have the potential for many more than that. It is now almost a tradition that they exceed their goals for the year and, if they continue in that vein, the wins will start to flow.
Always, at this point, someone mentions Nick Heidfeld's lack of credibility as a winner. There are two reasons for this: he sports a beard and he has not yet won a GP. Both reasons can disappear in a moment and Nick be revealed as the champion who was overlooked. I have complete confidence that he can do it and don't believe that you have to look like a champion to win races. Heck, Massa has won races and he hardly looks the part.
And talking of Massa, Nick himself has no qualms about having to beat him and the other stars of F1. In an interview with Bild newspaper, he had this simple fact to refer to: "I know that in the past I have beaten every one of them." It's true and Nick has a quiet determination that will compensate for his apparent lack of showmanship.
So what of Kubica? He has a flair that Nick seems to lack but he also has still to prove himself the quicker of the two. That proved an impossible task last year and will be just as difficult in the coming season. This morning I saw a comment somewhere about Marko Asmer being chosen as a BMW Sauber test driver and Heidfeld having to watch his back as a result. But I would say that it's young Kubica who needs to be looking over his shoulder, not Nick. Am I right, Heikki?
Whoever comes out on top, it's a good driver pairing. Both want to win and yet are sensible enough to know that the team is a priority. The gap to Ferrari and McLaren may have looked insurmountable last year but I suspect that it will have disappeared in 2008. BMW may not have sprinted ahead of the top two but they will be contending for wins, I think.
And, if there is any justice in the world, Nick Heidfeld will be the most unexpected champion for years.