BMW Sauber Announces They Will Quit Formula 1

BMW Sauber

BMW has announced that they will not continue to race in Formula 1 after the 2009 season. The freed up resources will be dedicated to developing new drive technology and projects related to sustainability. BMW will remain active in other less expensive motor sports series such as touring car series and the young driver promotion program in Formula BMW.

BMW did achieve success in Formula 1 over the years. They had eight Formula 1 victories between 1982 and 1985 while with Brabham. BMW won the drivers’ championship in 1983 with Nelson Piquet (Brabham BMW).  BMW Williams racked up 10 victories between 2000-2005 with Williams.

Source: PlanetF1

Formula 1 Steering Wheel Picture and Guide

This Formula 1 steering wheel from BMW shows how much input a Formula 1 driver deals with on race day.  The steering wheels have an amazing amount of functionality, from setting the differential, to having a drink to even confirming the tire choice at the upcoming pit stop.

Formula 1 steering wheels are hand made and cost around $30,000 each. They weigh less than three pounds and are made from carbon fiber and electrical components. Although it would be a great addition to any motorsport-loving guy or gal’s vehicle, good luck trying to find a steering wheel cover that fits it.

Source: auto123.com

BMW Tries to Lighten Load to Accommodate KERS for Kubica

KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System

BMW Sauber is attempting to launch a lighter version of its F1.09 in time for the Spanish Grand Prix to increase the chances of Robert Kubica being able to use KERS in his car. Kubica hasn’t been able to use KERS yet due to the extra weight it adds. The extra weight hurts the handling and increase the tire degradation.

Nick Heidfeld, Kubica’s BMW teammate has been able to use the KERS since he is weighs much less than Kubica.

Source: Autosport.com

BMW is confident that KERS provides an advantage on the track, which is why they are making such an effort to equip Kubica’s car.

Will BMW Sauber have KERS for Australia Opener?

KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System

Nick Heidfeld has said that BMW Sauber has yet to make a decision on whether the or not they will be using a kinetic energy recovery system for the opening race in Melbourne, Australia.

Williams and Toyota have stated that they will not have cars with KERS on the starting grid. Red Bull has announced that they might postpone the introduction of their KERS system.

BMW Sauber is believed to have one of the most advanced kinectic energy recovery systems and has been one of the biggest supporters of the technology in Formula 1. The precise benefits gained by using the KERS is still not known. While the system delivers an instant horsepower boost at the driver’s command, the system adds an additional 40 kg of weight to the car, changes the weight distribution, raises the center of gravity, needs more cooling, and affects stability in braking. And then there is also the question of reliability.

“Reliability seems quite good and we are testing it quite often, not all the time, but on and off to understand the benefits that we will hopefully have,” Heidfeld stated on the Formula 1 website.

Read More About KERS

Source: AP

F1 Car Launched: BMW Sauber F1.09 Photos

BMW Sauber has launched their 2009 Formula 1 car, the BMW Sauber F1.09. Team drivers for BMW in the 2009 season will be Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld. Last season, Kubica and Heidfeld finished in 4th place and 6th place, respectively.

Source: autoblog.com, gpupdate.net

Preparations for 2009 Formula One Season in Progress

Even though the Formula 1 season has just ended, preparations for the next season have already begun. Most teams are currently participating in this week’s testing in Barcelona. Many of the teams are said to be using hybrid cars which are just one of the new rules for the 2009 season.

In an attempt to increase the amount of passing in F1, this years cars will feature wider front wings and narrower rear wings. The purpose of this is to reduce the aerodynamic turbulence coming from the rear of the lead car, which unbalances the front end of the chase car. The 2009 cars will also feature cleaner body sides as most of the aerodynamic appendages between the wings have been banned. BMW Sauber has already shown their new aerodynamics package on the track.

Many teams are reported to be testing the new KER (Kinetic Energy Recovery) systems or just simulate the additional weight the systems will end up adding. KERS utilizes a flywheel technology to recover and store a vehicle’s kinetic energy while the vehicles decelerates. Some of the captured energy will be used deliver extra power during the lap.

Another important change for the 2009 season includes a return to slick tires.

Source: ITV-F1.com