BMW pin hopes on 'extensive' upgrades

Despite being billed as possible title contenders after a stellar 2008 campaign, the team's form has faltered this season with neither driver even making it into the final qualifying segment in China and Bahrain. Added to that the team has bagged points on just one occasion, leaving them down in sixth place in the Constructors' standings.


BMW's drop in form, though, can be attributed to their lack of upgrades in the opening fly-away races as the team failed to introduce any new parts while their rivals continued to improve their cars. However, next weekend in Spain, that will change as BMW are set to unveil major aerodynamic upgrades for the F1.09.


"Traditionally this represents something of a second start to the season," said team boss Mario Theissen. "For the BMW this applies more so than usual this year, as we cannot be satisfied at all with the first four races of the season.


"After our positive winter testing, all of us at BMW envisaged a rather different start to the season. The car is not fast enough and we have recorded only one podium finish - Nick Heidfeld's second place in Malaysia.


"We are approaching this challenge in a positive way and are working intensively in Munich and Hinwil to get back to our old form. We will be lining up in Barcelona with an extensive aerodynamics-focused development package, and are already working on further upgrades to be introduced later on in the season."


One man who is looking forward to an improved car is Robert Kubica, who has yet to get off the mark this season. "We will bring a new aero package and we hope to improve significantly compared to our recent performance, as it is our goal to close the gap to the top teams," he said.