BMW F1 Team Insider Info

[E46Fanatic]

Not very conclusive, but a good picture on the vibes in the factory now...---------Re: A new bunch of questions for TStefan Wed, 14 September 2005 16:04 "Now I know this wasn't the case, but still, I'd like to understand what wing is exactly, and what are the pros/cons of having more/less."Jeejay summed that up pretty well."How is the atmosphere at Hinwill about JV not knowing what will happen for next year"Depends on the people, some do the "roll your eyes" thing, others shrug and again some are mad about it like some members here.I know for a fact Peter Sauber does not know for sure either, although he will be one of the first to know once the final decision is made.I think too that BMW should announce if they keep Jacques or if they wont, these delays are not helping anyone.The squad would welcome some form of permanence in the team, knowing Massa will leave Jacques is the only driver familiar with the team as-it-is.Even if a ex-Sauber driver like Heidfeld would come back, he would need time to adjust himself to things again, thats not helping anyone."Has BMW made any employee announcements for next year or at least given a timetable as to when they plan to do so? (That you can tell us)"Well, most of the stuff BMW is planning is actually announced by Mario in one of his recent interviews.For one, upgrading and expanding the factory, optimizing the whole development and manufacturing process and hiring 100+ engineers in Hinwil."What is the feeling amongst current employees about retaining Jacques for '06?"The team (or better said the engineering squad) would like to keep him, the negative energy coming from some employees that existed has turned into positive feelings towards him.The BMW engine guys are positive towards him as well.What the high horses think, however, I do not know.

 

[supergripen]

hmmm...looks like they like Villenueve.next year shud be very interesting to watch.Heidfeld would be good to have too at the new SauberBMW team.

though more news and info would be very welcomed.but like the fella said,even they(Sauber) are still partly in the dark!!!

 

[E46Fanatic]

Now that NH is confirmed at BMW F1 in 2006, here's what Mario had to say about JV:

from f1today.nl

Dr. Theissen speaks:

"In Jacques Villeneuve's case it also involes a contract issue that spans into next year. His performances have showed that it's not easy to get back to your old level when you have been away from F1 for a year, especially not when switching teams. We have observed him very closely in order to give him a chance to convince us. Now that we have Nick Heidfeld's contract wrapped up, we're going to focus on him."

 

[ALBundy]

I would certainly hope BMW will take in JV as their second driver. There is certainly not much hope of challenging for honours (podiums) next season (but I feel BMW is a little humble, managing expectations eh?) and it will be more like part of the learning process in which having an experienced driver will help immensely in developing the car.

I do believe BMW will come out with a competitive V8 engine, when they get the chassis and aerodynamics sorted out, which I think they will, BMW will be a force to reckon with. And when that happens, I will stop washing my car with the BMW shirt and start wearing it again