State of things in Barcelona insight>BMW's problem


By The Offsider
March 10 2009

Continuing with the series of special information, here you can find some quotes and info provided by AFCA.

- Heidfeld on the pressure of time: ''What we can't sort out here we will carry along to the first race.''

''We have many small failures, something differently each time, nothing dramatical, however it's enough not to finish a race. With only three days of testing to go before the first race that's a bit worrying.''

- Things are particuarly tight for Toro Rosso. The STR4 could only do 40 laps at Adria because of the rain and 4 days at Barcelona and 1 at Vallelunga isn't a lot. Bourdais: ''In five days we have to carry out the work that the others have done in 20 days.''

Problems with the wheels forced the Frenchman to stop for several hours. At lunch he said: ''It's unlikely that I can still do the scheduled race distance today.'' Up till then he had covered 14 laps.

- On Wednesday Red Bull will fly in a new floor. Horner: ''If everything goes well Vettel can still test it for one and a half day.''

- Ferrari brought new wheel fairings to Barcelona, as well as new endplates of the front and rearwing. Like BMW Sauber they were simulating a race distance. Today Baldisserri and Simon were already present in Spain, a sign things are getting more serious.

- Over at BMW Sauber Rampf and Zehnder were on duty at the pitwall.

- Williams flew in their management as well. Head and Michael personally wanted to be convinced that the modifications to the diffusor and sidepods have brought progress. There was a nasty surprise, Head: ''It looks as if we've made a step backwards.'' The vertical fins next to the drivers head have remained on the car but didn't bring the progress that was hoped for. They are to improve the airflow towards the rearwing.

- On Wednesday teamboss Briatore will visit Renault. His team, as well as Brawn GP, Williams and McLaren have some days of testing left next week, at Jerez that is. McLaren will once again introduce new aerodynamic parts there. Despite a new diffusor they're lagging behind the competitors.

* As soon as we get further info, expect it to be published here

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