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The BMW Sauber F1 Team motorsport director Mario Theissen and F1 drivers Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica took time out of their tight schedules to meet fans at Euromotors.
With the memories of last year's race still fresh in his mind, Theissen certainly remained upbeat about the 2009 event: "In Bahrain we aim to bring the first major overseas stint to a positive end. It also marks the end of the second set of back-to-back races within five weeks. We look back on the previous Bahrain Grand Prix with satisfaction: in 2008 Robert gained his first ever pole position with the BMW Sauber F1 Team, achieving another milestone."
Robert said: "The Bahrain International Circuit has a couple of long straights and three characteristically low-speed corners that require heavy braking. Wind can play an important role in Sakhir as it influences the balance of the car. Also, the wind blows sand onto parts of the track, which leads to changing grip conditions.
"Luckily we had the chance to test the F1.09 car in Bahrain in February, although weather conditions were unstable and windy then. Last year we performed quite well in Bahrain - after securing pole position in qualifying I managed to finish the race on the podium."
Nick added: "I enjoy driving in Bahrain. I like the modern complex and the circuit. The section from the fifth to the penultimate corner is particularly well designed. It will be interesting to see what the weather brings. Usually the climate in Bahrain has been very pleasant, but we've also had incredible heat and during winter testing there was a huge sandstorm. In 2008, there was a concert by Akon after the race, which I also remember well."
Each of the drivers arrived in a new BMW Z4 Roadster, the successor to both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 CoupŽ, which has an extra-long front lid, large wheel arches, long wheelbase and small overhangs, an unmistakable look with a low-slung front end, a striking shoulder line and the rear end accentuating the sheer width of the car.
The new BMW Z4 comes with a choice of three straight-six power units ranging in output from 150 kw/204 hp to 225 kw/306 hp. All versions offer an optimum combination of acceleration and fuel economy in their respective class with BMW EfficientDynamics featured as standard with specific highlights tailored to each model.
The new Z4 is available from Euromotors in Sitra.
