By Jaime M.
February 9 2007

Spanish newspaper Marca quoted Alonso saying that the biggest surprise in testing was BMW-Sauber's performance, while he downplayed the chances of other teams such as Honda. Of a similar opinion is Felipe Massa, who told Autosport that BMW are ahead of them (Ferrari) and Mclaren in this off season.

 

The Brazilian commented that Mclaren was the fastest car on 1 lap, and that Ferrari were not far behind, but BMW-Sauber was surprising, especially as the German team have cautious goals for 2007. The main advantage of BMW-Sauber's car was the consistency in the long runs, Massa admitted. And he said that if they corrected the reliability issues they had had, then they would be at the front.

These comments come after BMW had an impressive test in Valencia, and Jerez test performance was very strong too.

So, will BMW-Sauber demonstrate once more that they are the 'dark horse'?
We think so, but probably 4th position, after Mclaren, Ferrari and Renault, is the most realistic result for 2007.

Mario Theissen said that their objective for this season was collecting podiums 'by our own merits', but after seeing the form of the Team, a victory is not impossible.