BMW F1.09 May Lack Double Diffuser in Barcelona

BMW Sauber are not yet certain about a potential debut of their double diffuser at Barcelona next weekend. While confirming they are working on the new feature flat-out, BMW's motorsport director Mario Theissen insisted he does not know whether it will be ready by the Spanish Grand Prix.

“Whether it will be there or not is not yet definite,” Theissen was quoted as saying by German publication Sport Bild this weekend.

One week to Formula One's European debut, in Spain, BMW is still searching for the right solutions to boost the performances of their F1.09 for the remainder of the season. After a convincing first race in Australia, both Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld performed miserably during the non-European events.

As conformed by both drivers, plus Theissen, the Hinwil based outfit avoided bringing new updates to the F1.09 during the first 4 races of the season (on a race to race basis) as they had a different aerodynamic philosophy for the new season.

In addition, the revision of their rear diffuser was confirmed to take longer than in the case of other teams, because of the different, more complicated rear design of the F1.09. Even if they will come up with a different diffuser by next Sunday, it will most certainly be an interim version of a much more developed one to be launched later on.

Despite the new aero kit for Barcelona, Robert Kubica remained skeptical on his team's chances of improving considerably as compared to the other outfits.

“We will make a step forward in Barcelona, but whether it will be big enough is improbable,” said the Polish driver.