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(from BMW Press
Release) The new BMW Sauber F1.08.
For Technical Director
Willy Rampf, the philosophy behind the race car for the 2008 season
boils down to what he calls “radical evolution”. In other words,
last year’s car already provided the engineers with a sound basis
for the BMW Sauber F1.08, and they did not have to spend time
ironing out faults. Instead they were able to use knowledge gained
over the course of the
2007 season and channel their energies into the development of
innovations which build on this basis.
The engineers’
development work focused on achieving a high level of aerodynamic
efficiency coupled with a stable aero balance: the lower the loss of
downforce when the wheels turn in, the faster the car can travel and
the greater the confidence it gives the driver. Other development
aims included improving mechanical grip in order to make the best
possible use of the standard tyres, and reducing the weight of
various components to allow maximum use of ballast in optimising
weight distribution.
While the regulations
governing aerodynamics remain unchanged in 2008, two other changes
to the rulebook have had a major effect: the introduction of
standardised electronics (SECU) and the new running time stipulation
for gearboxes, which must now be used over four grands prix. Since
the SECU does not allow for traction control, among other functions,
mechanical grip and sensitive accelerator control will gain in
importance.
A particularly
eye-catching feature of the F1.08 is the mighty front wing. Having
said that, the car’s nose has actually slimmed down – in equal
measure to the rear end. The narrower engine cover has been designed
with all-new extra wing elements. Another new and immediately
noticeable feature are the hub caps, or “rim shields”.
The BMW Sauber F1.08
celebrated its global public presentation in Munich on 14th January
2008. “The data which the F1.08 has delivered ahead of its roll-out
is extremely promising,” says Rampf. “And the development work will
continue full speed ahead up to the start of the new season. We have
already come up with another aero package for the season-opener in
Melbourne on 16th March, and this will also change the external
appearance of the F1.08 once more.”
