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javascript:openwin('Popups/Photo.aspx?IM_ID=41392','',770,550,'yes'); BMW Sauber ace Robert Kubica is confident he has successful adapted his driving style to allow him to get the best out of the 2007-spec Bridgestone tyres this season.
The 22-year-old Pole had expressed concerns following his first runs of the winter that his distinctive style, that involves an abrupt initial turn-in to corners, may have to be modified to better suit the harder compound rubber to be used this year.
However with BMW’s pre-season programme now completed, Kubica has revealed he has successfully changed his technique to one that is now less aggressive.
"The Bridgestone tyre construction is quite different to what we had last year,” he told the team’s official website.
“You have to adapt your driving style.
“But I feel this is already behind us now.
“I drive more smoothly with less steering angle and it is okay.”
BMW has been the undoubted surprise package of the winter, with Mario Theissen saying last week that the team is only behind Ferrari and McLaren on pace ahead of the season’s opening race in Melbourne.
Its preparations, however, in the final Bahrain test were hindered by reoccurring hydraulics and gearbox problems – with both Kubica and Nick Heidfeld stopping on-track on the last day.
The Pole remains optimistic though that the reliability of the F1.07 is improving and the team is in a position to perform well in the hot conditions likely to be encountered in the opening three flyaway races.
"We did a complete race simulation with both cars which worked fine," he said
"It was a good step forward.
“We are getting better in terms of reliability.
“Hot conditions should not be a big problem for the performance of the car.
“It responds well.
“We just will have to watch the set-up and make sure to limit the stress for the tyres."
Source = ITV F1
The 22-year-old Pole had expressed concerns following his first runs of the winter that his distinctive style, that involves an abrupt initial turn-in to corners, may have to be modified to better suit the harder compound rubber to be used this year.
However with BMW’s pre-season programme now completed, Kubica has revealed he has successfully changed his technique to one that is now less aggressive.
"The Bridgestone tyre construction is quite different to what we had last year,” he told the team’s official website.
“You have to adapt your driving style.
“But I feel this is already behind us now.
“I drive more smoothly with less steering angle and it is okay.”
BMW has been the undoubted surprise package of the winter, with Mario Theissen saying last week that the team is only behind Ferrari and McLaren on pace ahead of the season’s opening race in Melbourne.
Its preparations, however, in the final Bahrain test were hindered by reoccurring hydraulics and gearbox problems – with both Kubica and Nick Heidfeld stopping on-track on the last day.
The Pole remains optimistic though that the reliability of the F1.07 is improving and the team is in a position to perform well in the hot conditions likely to be encountered in the opening three flyaway races.
"We did a complete race simulation with both cars which worked fine," he said
"It was a good step forward.
“We are getting better in terms of reliability.
“Hot conditions should not be a big problem for the performance of the car.
“It responds well.
“We just will have to watch the set-up and make sure to limit the stress for the tyres."
Source = ITV F1
