Theissen: BMW a top team now

BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen is adamant the German squad are now a top team among rivals Ferrari and McLaren.

BMW have finished on the podium in all three races so far this year, allowing them to led the constructors` championship, one point ahead of Ferrari and two in front of McLaren.

The team also achieved their first pole position in Bahrain, thanks to Robert Kubica.

And although Theissen reckons Ferrari remain the team to beat, the BMW boss is now convinced his outfit are in the fight for the top spot.

“The race in Australia was a debacle for Ferrari but since then they recovered their dominance and are the ultimate benchmark at the moment,” Theissen told the official Formula One website.

“Behind them, the situation is tight. Let me put it this way - last year we were the third power after the two top teams Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes.

“Now, after three races, we are one of the three top teams - this is a significant difference.”

Theissen, however, believes it`s still too early to know if BMW will be able to fight for the title.

“This is our goal, but for a substantiated prognosis, it`s still too early,” he added. “The race in Barcelona will see all the teams operating with a modified aero package and this can lead to a change in the pecking order.”

The team boss also admitted he did not expect BMW to be so strong after their early problems during winter testing.

“This was not foreseeable, especially when you consider our roll-out woes in Valencia in mid-January,” Theissen added. “The aftermath was the first major test for our still young team. But we kept our eyes on our goal and consequently proceeded with our plan.

“Performance data and driver statements were synchronised, causes analysed and a package of measures adopted. It proved successful. This pole in Bahrain indicates another cornerstone in our efforts and that it happened at such an early stage in the season was the icing on the cake.

“Since the launch of the F1.08 we have not only added pace to the car, but in those eight weeks since the launch to the season opener in Australia, we have learned more than in a whole season. Looking back it was a very prolific and highly motivating period.”

15.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ BMW, Theissen    ▪ www.autosport.com