2009 F1 Season: BMW Sauber unveil new F1.09 

Written by David on January 20th, 2009 at 10:57 amLast Update: January 23rd, 2009 at 7:17 am

BMW Sauber F1.09The BMW Sauber F1 Team unveiled this morning in Valencia the new BMW Sauber F1.09. Robert Kubica, shortly afetr 9 o’clock, took the car for its first lap around the Spanish circuit. The Hinwil based team goes into its fourth season with the ambitious aim of fighting for the World Championship title. “We have set ourselves the task of further improving our performance relative to the rest of the field,” stated BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “The 1-2 in Canada and a total of eleven podium finishes in 2008 set an exacting standard. In 2009 we are looking to maintain our first-class reliability record while at the same time enhancing our performance levels so that we can be at the front of the pack on a consistent basis. We are aware that we are aiming extremely high. This is the final step in our development, and that’s generally the hardest one to take.”

BMW Sauber F1.09

The BMW Sauber F1.09 cuts a very different figure from all of its predecessors. Its nose is higher and much wider than before. The huge front wing consists of three elements and stretches across the full width of the car. The rear wing, on the other hand, is considerably slimmer – in line with the new regulations – and stands unusually high against the onrushing air. Intricate aerodynamic add-ons, such as air deflectors and cooling air exits, have been reduced to a minimum. Another eye-catching feature are the sidepods, which are now higher at the front.

BMW Sauber F1.09

Another new development which the teams have the option of introducing in the upcoming season is the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). The component parts of this technology add extra weight at the rear of the car. Alongside aerodynamics and the optimum use of the slick tyres, the integration of KERS represents another key challenge for the engineers. To this end, the front axle has been modified and the rear axle is a new design.

BMW Sauber F1.09

While the chassis is the work of the Hinwil team, the KERS technology has been developed in Munich. There, Markus Duesmann – Head of Powertrain – and his team also have the job of preparing the BMW V8 engine for the extra mileage stipulated in the regulations. Each driver is allocated eight engines for the total of 17 races in 2009.

BMW Sauber F1.09

The BMW Sauber F1 Team will once again line up on the grid with Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld as its driver pairing. And 26-year-old Austrian Christian Klien also stays with the team as test and reserve driver.

The BMW Sauber F1 Team has conducted intensive preparations for 2009 as it attempts to achieve its latest ambitious aim. These have included early testing with KERS and new aero elements. “In the three years since the BMW Sauber F1 Team was formed, we have always met the goals we set ourselves and are confident that we can do so again this season,” explained Theissen.

BMW Sauber F1.09 Technical Specifications:

  • Chassis: carbon-fibre monocoque
  • Suspension: upper and lower wishbones (front and rear), inboard springs and dampers, actuated by pushrods (Sachs Race Engineering)
  • Brakes: six-piston brake callipers (Brembo), carbon pads and discs (Brembo, Carbone Industrie)
  • Transmission: G1.09 7-speed ‘quick-shift’ gearbox designed to last 4 races, longitudinally mounted, carbon-fibre clutch
  • KERS: System with energy storage in batteries, BMW Sauber F1 Team
  • Chassis electronics: MES
  • Steering wheel: BMW Sauber F1 Team
  • Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza
  • Wheels: OZ
  • Length: 4690 mm
  • Width: 1800 mm
  • Height: 1000 mm
  • Track width, front: 1470 mm
  • Track width, rear: 1410 mm
  • Weight: 605 kg (incl. driver, tank empty)

Engine:

  • Type: BMW P86/8, normally aspirated V8
  • Bank angle: 90 degrees
  • Displacement: 2,400 cc
  • Valves: four per cylinder
  • Valve train: pneumatic
  • Engine block: aluminium
  • Cylinder head: aluminium
  • Crankshaft: steel
  • Oil system: dry sump lubrication
  • Engine management: standard ECU (MES)
  • Spark plugs: NGK
  • Pistons: aluminium
  • Connecting rods: titanium
  • Weight: 95 kg
  • Maximum engine speed: 18000 rpm

No comments yet. Be the first.


Leave a Reply