Planet-F1

Heidfeld seeking better balance on F1.08

Sunday 17th February 2008

Nick Heidfeld is confident that BMW will improve the F1.08's performance over the next month.

The German driver says the new challenger is better than last season's car, but he remains cautious about BMW's chances of catching Ferrari and McLaren.

Heidfeld is upbeat over the 2008 season, although admitted that progress must be made with regards to balance of the new car.

"The car is most definitely better than last year's," said the 30-year-old.

"You just have to take a look at the lap times to realise this. At the latest test, I said the old car was better balanced - but you shouldn't forget that we had an entire year to find this balance.

"Since then, we've had time to improve the new car's balance too, and it is also equipped with new components."

The season gets underway in Australia on March 16 and Heidfeld confirmed that the Hinwil-based outfit are content with the evolution of the F1.08.

"Currently, we are trying different setup options," he explained. "But it's not unusual to focus on the balance before making the next steps. As I see it, we are moving within the normal window."