Theissen looks ahead to Imola

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen looks ahead to the San Marino Grand Prix

"The whole BMW crew has one very special memory of Imola: We celebrated our first victory there with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team after re-entering Formula One. The 2001 success is still fresh in our minds as we travel to Imola again. The track has always suited our car and we hope to be able to deliver a convincing performance at the beginning of the European season."

"The performance of the car in race configuration is better than we expected after winter testing. However, this hasn't been fully reflected in our results to date. Two unfortunate accidents and a technical failure have compromised our record heading into the fourth race of the season. Nick's third place at Malaysia however, demonstrated what could have been possible."

"With its uphill passages, Imola may well be considered an engine track. We expect temperatures of about 20 degrees, and consequently modest thermal strains. Like most of our rivals, Mark enters the race using the same engine as used in the heat of Bahrain, where it was exposed to massive demands. Nick on the other hand will use a new engine."

"On the logistical side, many aspects become easier in Europe: The travelling to and from the race track is less complicated and we don't have to live out of suitcases and containers any more. Instead, we have trucks and motorhomes in the paddock area. The mobile workshops and offices also make the mechanics' and engineers' work at the track a lot easier."

-williams-