By BMW Sauber F1 Team
March 17 2007

The BMW Sauber F1 Team experienced a positive start to the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship today, with its three drivers, Nick Heidfeld, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel all convincing in Melbourne. Here, we have compiled several interesting facts for you.

- Difficult conditions: In the early stages of session one, the drivers had to cope with wet conditions at the "Albert Park Circuit". Sebastian delivered in great style and was the quickest for much of the session. In the closing stages, when the track dried out, he was defeated by just two drivers - McLaren's Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Felipe Massa - and finished third. In the second session, the BMW Sauber F1 Team succeeded in once again demonstrating its competitiveness, with Nick and Robert finishing fifth and ninth respectively.

- Extensive workload: Due to the new regulations, the engines used on Friday don't have to be raced for the rest of the weekend. Therefore, there was a lot more practice action going on in Melbourne than had been the case in the Friday sessions of the 2006 season. The BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers, for instance, covered a total of 87 laps.

- Driving pleasure: "I had a lot of fun in the first practice session," said Sebastian following his impressive performance. "At the beginning, the grip level was extremely low but that was something we had expected. And in the wet, the fresh line markings proved to be particularly slippery. But then the conditions improved. It was fantastic for me to have the chance of contesting this practice session and learning the track. "

- Positive anticipation for the season: On Friday, Nick expressed his delight with the fact that the season finally has begun. "The off-season was long. Therefore, I'm happy that we're back racing," said the 29-year old. "Over the course of the weekend we'll get a clearer picture of our true competitiveness."