Theissen worried about a major setback for 2008

BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen expressed that BMW-Sauber is still on track to win its first Grand Prix in 2008.

The performance of the German team’s single-seaters has exceeded its own expectations for this season. This is therefore a good omen for the conquest of the constructors’ and drivers’ championship titles for 2008, even if the battle will be tough with Ferrari and McLaren.

Moreover, it was the second year of collaboration with the new Swiss team Sauber, and the results are therefore more than positive.

Theissen explains the next logical step towards a victory.

« I hope that, in the end, there will be more than just one victory, » he stated.

« But we also know that it will be difficult, because the two Ferraris and the two McLarens have been leading for many years and it is obvious that they have an edge in terms of experience. »

« Securing a position ahead of these two teams will be a tough task, » added Theissen.

This drive for success could also be thwarted by several teams, including Renault, champions in 2005 and 2006, or the Japanese giants such as Honda and Toyota, who were notably weaker in 2007 but could make a strong comeback!

Theissen, also admitting to being concerned about the rise of Red Bull and Williams profiles, explained: « Not only are our opponents far from being upright yet, but they also have massive pressure weighing on their shoulders. »

« That’s why we have to deal with a situation where everyone is potentially dangerous to our team, » he continued.

He was also asked if he is worried about a setback for BMW-Sauber in the near future like Renault this year or Honda.

« Yes, actually all the time, » Theissen joked.

« In F1, the path to the top is generally quite slow. When things go wrong, the descent tends to go very fast, » he concluded.