“As long as there is theoretically still a chance to win the world championship, then we will not sleep. We'll try and do what's possible in this short space of time. We'll try to really concentrate on every detail of the preparation for these races. There won't be any big updates, but we can make small changes, and we can try to use the potential of the tires in a more perfect way”, said Rampf.
Despite channeling all their efforts on the 2009 car – with the new regulations and everything – the German manufacturer are still very much 'alive' in the championship with two races to go. They only sit 14 points behind Ferrari in the constructors' classification, while Kubica is still in contention for the world title despite his 12-point deficit to leader Lewis Hamilton.
Considering their car hasn't been further developed from the mid-season on, one can only wonder where would BMW be today had they paid more attention to the championship race in 2008. As a result of neglecting the competition this season, Renault have really picked up and are currently regarded as top contenders for podiums in the following 2 races. And a 4th player into the game was certainly the last thing the Germans needed for the closing stages of 2008 if deciding to go for the title.
Following his impressive performance in Japan corroborated with Lewis Hamilton's bad luck and failing to score points, Pole Robert Kubica got himself a ticket to the title race in the remaining 2 races of the season and strongly advised his team to doing the same. He also called his run at Mount Fuji 'better than the win in Canada', admitting that the car he drove last Sunday was not as well-prepared as the one from the start of the season.
Nevertheless, he continued by boosting his team's morale and ask BMW to take a serious interest in both the China and Brazil races: “I finished second and this is a great result for team because it is a difficult moment. It is a good boost for us, we are still in the fight, so let's try”.
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