Hungarian GP – BMW-Sauber Arrives on Victorious Grounds

The Grand Prix pass, but BMW-Sauber never gives up and as proof, the German team remains second in the constructors’ standings. The battle is fierce with Ferrari and McLaren for the championship win.

In the driver standings, Kubica and Heidfeld are not at the top but remain in contact. The duo appreciates this Hungarian track as they both have good memories here, just like BMW, which achieved its first podium in 2006.

Nick Heidfeld – Racing Driver

« I have always been good at the Hungaroring. The track suits me, and in the past, I was on the podium in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, it was BMW-Sauber’s first podium after an incredibly wet race. In 2007, I started second and finished third. I also have good memories of the Hungaroring that go further back. For example, in 1999 in Formula 3000. The city is beautiful and I love the buildings. Budapest has a lot of charm, especially when the weather is truly summery. »

« If the race is dry, there is quite a bit of dust, especially at the beginning of the weekend. The track itself is exhausting because there are no long straights where you can relax a bit. I am really looking forward to this Grand Prix and we hope to achieve as good a result as in the past two years. »

Robert Kubica – Racing Driver:

Of course, we expect a large number of Polish fans in Budapest. The Hungarian Grand Prix takes place not far from Poland. It is, in a way, my home race. The Hungaroring is the circuit where my first Formula 1 race was held in 2006. Like any driver, you always have a special relationship with the track where you started.

« It’s not just for these reasons that I appreciate this circuit. The Hungaroring is a difficult track, it’s a real challenge. »

Mario Theissen – BMW Motorsport Director:

« Over the past two years, the Hungarian Grand Prix has been a success for us. For 2008, the goal is to be on the podium for the third consecutive time. Our commitment is to place both our cars in the top ten in qualifying and to score many points in the race. »

« The Hungaroring places enormous demands on the single-seaters both in terms of aerodynamics and brakes. It is generally hot in Budapest in August. »

Willy Rampf – Technical Director:

« After Monaco, the Hungaroring is the track with the lowest average speed. Overtaking is very difficult, and you must take this into account in your race strategy. »

« In Hungary, we use ‘soft’ tires. As for the car’s setup, you need to focus mainly on the second sector which consists of a large number of corners. The cars will need to run with maximum cooling. »