It's finally time

Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica aren't the only ones who can hardly wait. For the first time ever, T-Systems will be at the starting line as a technology partner to the BMW Sauber F1 team in an Australian Formula 1 race. Spectators will hardly be able to miss the logos prominently displayed on the BMW Sauber F1 race car and driver's helmet.

The new Formula 1 season starts in Melbourne this weekend, and the BMW Sauber F1 team has set a lofty goal for itself: “We want to close the gap and win our first race,” stated BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen, explaining the team's goal for the 2008 Formula 1 season. Whether or not this ambitious aspiration can be achieved in Australia with the young team remains to be seen, but over recent years, the BMW Sauber F1 team has been off to a great start on the Melbourne city race around Lake Albert. After achieving top placements in qualifying rounds, Nick Heidfeld was able to place a solid fourth and gain the first five points in the driver standings. “We’ve continued making progress during the winter up to the final test in Barcelona. But we'll have to wait until Melbourne to see exactly where we stand,” says Heidfeld, the excitement of the “Down Under” race clearly present in his words.

11,000 km to the starting line

“The time for speculation in Australia has come to an end,” says Robert Kubica. “The whole team has worked extremely hard over the past few weeks and as a result, the F1.08 has steadily improved.” Drivers have logged some 11,233 kilometers on their new race cars and have had to get used to new rules, too – including competing without traction control. This is something the drivers are sure to miss both at the race’s onset and on dirty tracks. “This’ll cost time right from the start because you have to ease off the gas in order to correct the car,” explains Kubica.

In addition to the 80 team members, thousands of components weighing over 32 tons in air freight had to be flown to Australia. This is exactly where one of the planned solutions from the technology partnership between T-Systems and the BMW Sauber F1 team will come into play: RFID – worldwide will be used to track replacement parts and accessories for all Grand Prix races.

Australia's Big Prize
March 14-16, 2008
Race: March 16, 2008 | 5:30 a.m. CET