Formula One: BMW F1 Spanish GP preview
29 April 2000
Spanish Grand Prix -- PREVIEW 29th April 2000 BMW's reliability work on the engine since Imola and a well-balanced chassis from WilliamsF1 combined to give the BMW WilliamsF1 Team its most convincing showing to date at the last Grand Prix at Silverstone where Ralf Schumacher and Jenson Button finished 4th and 5th respectively. Since then, the team has spent three days testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in preparation for the Spanish Grand Prix -- the fifth round of the FIA Formula One World Championship. Statistically speaking, Ralf is so far the only driver to have scored points three times this season, beaten only by his brother Michael who has generated points on four occasions. On the reliability side, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team is presently listed fourth in terms of race mileage achieved. The Circuit de Catalunya is the most technically advanced track on the Formula One calendar. The purpose built arena provides variety with scope for overtaking amid its fast and slow sections, with the sweeping right hander at the end of the long start-finish straight the favourite. Opened for action in 1991, the circuit has since provided an annual test of skill and speed. Gerhard Berger (BMW Motorsport Director) "This extremely good start in Formula One with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team achieving points in three races out of four, produced a very positive response at BMW, which strengthend our F1 crew even more. But we should not become too euphoric. We are proud of our current third position in the constructors' championship, but this does not change our aim. Our set goal is to repeat the fifth place which WilliamsF1 achieved in 1999. We will face harder times. The teams hot on our tail are not resting, which was evident during the latest test in Barcelona. From my time as a driver I remember more than well how difficult it is for a team to be consistently successful." Ralf Schumacher "After our successful race weekend at Silverstone, I am quite optimistic about the Spanish Grand Prix. In an effort to be well prepared, the BMW WilliamsF1 Team completed today a three-day test programme in Barcelona. Jenson drove on Wednesday and Thursday and I got behind the wheel on Thursday and today. "The Circuit de Catalunya boasts a mix of high and low speed, long and short corners especially turn three, a 180 degree fourth gear corner with an exit speed of around 160 mph. You also have to find the correct turn-in point to generate the highest speed through the corner, but at the same time you must take care of the left front tyre. The track has a high grip surface and generally is hard on tyres. Traction is also an important factor with no fewer than six corners being taken in second gear. Overall, the FW22 is getting better and better and we are optimistically looking forward to Barcelona." Jenson Button "It's been quite a week since the British Grand Prix. No sooner had the chequered flag been waved at Silverstone and it was time to leave for testing in Barcelona. I have been testing at the Circuit de Catalunya two days in preparation for next week's race and this was very valuable for me because I needed to accumulate some good mileage on this track, which I have no experience of, as I have never raced here before. Given how good the FW22 feels, I'm quite excited about the Spanish Grand Prix. The demanding fast corners and a long high speed straight makes this race a real test but at the same time I love the atmosphere in Spain and this will help." . The 65 lap Spanish Grand Prix gets underway at 14:00hrs local time (12:00 GMT time). A total distance of 191,04 miles (307.450 km) will be covered on the 2.939 mile (4.730 km) circuit. . The 1m22.242s lap record is held by Giancarlo Fisichella and was set in 1997 (Benetton) . In 1999, the Spanish Grand Prix was won by McLaren-Mercedeswith Mika Häkkinen the winner and David Coulthard coming second. Ferrari's Michael Schumacher finished the race in third place. The only significant overtaking move was from Damon Hill in the Jordan-Mugen, who took Rubens Barrichello's Stewart-Ford on lap 63