Nick Heidfeld is satisfied: his team is ahead!

The German driver Nick Heidfeld expressed satisfaction this week after the tests in Barcelona. The BMW driver believes his team is ahead of the competitors at this stage of the season. However, he acknowledges that there is still a lot to be done before Melbourne 2009.

While many teams have simulated the aerodynamic downforce conditions to be observed for the 2009 season, BMW has already incorporated the required wings into a ‘B car’ according to the regulations. A very wide front wing and a very narrow rear wing. Another advantage of the Hinwil team over other teams: the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). Many teams have not yet tested it, while it is already very advanced according to Heidfeld within his team.

Heidfeld nevertheless admits that a lot of work still needs to be done and that the KERS is not perfect: « The first day, with what we call a ‘B car,’ was not ideal. My car, especially during the tests, encountered issues because of the KERS, but at least it is in place… even if we still have a lot to learn. »

« When we look at the other teams in the paddock, they are only simulating the 2009 aerodynamic downforce using a 2008 car. We have a new car and we can already gather important information from it! »

Williams and Honda also tested 2009 version wings in Barcelona at the beginning of the week. McLaren and Ferrari, on the other hand, tested a ‘KERS concept’.