BMW Sauber F1 Team
2009 Brazilian Grand Prix
Free Practice
Friday, 16 October 2009

Weather: Occasional light rain, 18-20°C Air, 22-27°C
Track Interlagos (BR).

The first two free practice sessions for the Brazilian Grand Prix were held in inconsistent weather conditions with periods of light drizzle in both sessions. For the BMW Sauber F1 Team the day went without any technical problems. Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld reported progress in terms of car balance and set-up in the afternoon, but were still not happy.

Robert Kubica:
BMW Sauber F1.09-08 / BMW P86/9  
1st Free Practice: 14th, 1:13.563 min / 2nd Free Practice: 12th, 1:12.862 min
“Today, we tried different downforce levels and completed some long runs in preparation for the race. However, it was very difficult to get reliable results because on several occasions it was drizzling, and the conditions were changing frequently during the two sessions.”

Nick Heidfeld:  
BMW Sauber F1.09-07 / BMW P86/9
1st Free Practice: 12th, 1:13.464 min / 2nd Free Practice: 15th, 1:12.948 min
“We changed the car a lot after the first session when it really wasn’t good at all. The changes definitely meant an improvement, but the balance isn’t yet as I would like it to be. We still have some work to do. The track is better than expected, so I can’t complain about any changes for the worse since last year. There are still bumps, of course, but nothing to worry about.”   

Willy Rampf (Head of Engineering):  
“As far as the track conditions are concerned, this was a mixed Friday for all teams. Again and again light rain falling made the set-up work difficult. We concentrated on race preparation and drove with different aerodynamic configurations. For tomorrow we will concentrate on qualifying. There is still work to do.”