Formula 1 News

BMW Sauber: Special aerodynamic package for Montreal 

BMW-Sauber’s Technical Director Willy Rampf, has described how the team from Munich and Hinwil has prepared for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix, and has highlighted the risks of the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal. “The combination of long straights and chicanes makes the Montreal course a medium-downforce track, for which we have developed a special aero package,” said Rampf. “Alongside a modified front wing, this also features a completely new rear wing. In order to reduce drag, we will also be dispensing with some extra wings, including the one on the nose cone.”

Montreal is known for its high strain on the brakes. For this reason, engineers equip the BMW Sauber F1.08 with “the largest possible brake ducts and very robust discs”, explained Rampf. The circuit also offers some high-speed sections. “There is a particularly good passing opportunity on the long straight before the final chicane, provided the top speed is right,” added the German.

As in Monaco, Bridgestone will provide all teams in Canada with the softest tyre compounds to give them good traction when accelerating out of the slow corners. The grip level is far from ideal at the start of the race weekend: the sessions in Canada will be held partly on public streets, which are still covered in dust – particularly on Friday. As a result, there is relatively low grip. “The circuit demands the utmost concentration on the part of the drivers, since it does not forgive even the smallest driving errors. There area a lot of walls and the track is always extremely dirty off the racing line,” said Rampf.

source: BMW Sauber