Comments on: 2008: BMW

By: Gman

Gman — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 00:29:03 +0000

BMW is at a critical interesction- I agree that they will either go up or down this year. If they stay where they are, they run the risk of being overtaken by the improving teams many of you have mentioned. They have put together a good package to date, but now it’s time to challenge the top a bit more often.

By: Karan

Karan — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:51:48 +0000

Personally, as of now I think the Ferrari and Mclaren have better machinery AND better pilots (not Massa though, I think he’s a mediocre driver in a great car), but Beemer has the potential and knowhow to really unlock their 2008 challenger about a third of the way into the season, and even though Heidfeld and Kubica aren’t stars, they’re certainly no slouches. If they sort out the balance gremlins, then I’m pretty certain they’ll be mixing it up with the top two.
Right now, though, I think Rosberg and Alonso in their respective cars will be leading the beemers around Albert Park, Sepang, and Bahrain.

By: Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:17:44 +0000

It’s great that BMW went aggressive with this car, but I just don’t see them closing the gap to McLaren and Ferrari this year. I hope I’m wrong because a tighter field is good for everyone, but I think Renault is more likely to win a race, and possibly Red Bull/Webber in a wet race. BMWs drivers aren’t that impressive, Heidfeld is steady, not spectacular. Kubica needs to regularly beat Nick to establish himself — he hasn’t done that yet. I’d say they’re one year and a top driver away from winning on merit, and by then we’ll have new rules.

By: Alianora La Canta

Alianora La Canta — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:39:50 +0000

I’m not sure BMW itself knows for certain…

By: theRoswellite

theRoswellite — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:40:11 +0000

A BMW side note:
I certainly get tired of all the teams speaking about their problems in such a vague way. After years of generalities one gets hungry for details, and I doubt the veracity of the "party line" concerning the need for secrecy. This is certainly true in some areas, but generally I think it does the discerning public a disservice.

What exactly was the problem with the new BMW?

By: FLIG

FLIG — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:46:52 +0000

I know I always sound over-optimistic, but maybe all the crap the FIA has been pulling is going to come to fruition and the teams will get closer and closer in performance. Maybe this year BMW will get in trouble with Renault, Williams, Red Bull and Toyota (Remember the last two have a LOT of cash to get it right), but maybe that’s just because those teams are improving A LOT, not because BMW is falling back.

By: Golden Condor

Golden Condor — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:44:53 +0000

Hi Keith, I agree with your prediction in the final paragraph, although I personally expect Ferrari will also be challenging McLaren and Williams* this season.

*hopefully

By: Clive

Clive — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:29:45 +0000

I agree with Robert – they’ll be right up there or have problems staying with Williams and RBR. Just gotta hope they get it right…

By: Robert Mckay

Robert Mckay — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:06:24 +0000

I could be talking nonsense here, but BMW are either going to be the stars of 2008 or the flops. I don’t quite see a repeat of 2007 where they are comfortably behind the big two but comfortably in front of the rest. They’re either going to mix it with Mclaren and Ferrari or get swamped by Williams, Renault and possibly Red Bull and Toyota too. Not sure which way it’s going to go.