Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

F1 technical: The evolution of the BMW Sauber F1.08 over the course of the season

Get the best interest rate
Khatir Soltani
Source: BMW Sauber

There is a rule of thumb in Formula 1: Standing still means going backwards. Vehicles change from race to race. The engineers are continually modifying the vehicles depending on the characteristics of the different circuits - the extremely long straights in Monza require a different aero package than the tight and slow corners in Monaco.

Willy Rampf, the Technical Director of the BMW Sauber F1 Team, uses a selection of technical drawings to describe the constant change undergone by the BMW Sauber F1.08.


BMW Sauber F1.08, Car Launch, Munich, January 2008

Willy Rampf: "The elimination of traction control meant that the cars would be more difficult to drive. Our goal was therefore to build a stable car with precise feedback at the front axle and lots of grip at the rear axle, in order to make the driver's job easier. As far as aerodynamic efficiency was concerned, we wanted to take a significant step forward by comparison with the F1.07. We were able to achieve this objective by a number of measures including a special, compact engine cover. We opted for a very dominant front wing, the great potential of which allowed us to compensate for the entire range of different weight distributions. The vent chimneys combined with the lamellar outlet vents to permit good cooling without significant disadvantages for aerodynamics even under extreme conditions. By contrast with the rim covers, the Tomcat wings on the car's nose and the vertical sidepod reflectors were not fitted to the car for the presentation."


Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada