"This time around, I found it particularly difficult to gauge how the teams measure up against each other,"
Nick Heidfeld admits, "We made progress between the roll-out in Valencia and the final test in Barcelona, but none of us will know where we stand until Melbourne."
"The whole team has been working incredibly hard over the past weeks, the
F1.08 has steadily improved and I think there's even more potential lurking inside it," team-mate
Robert Kubica adds, warning
BMW's rivals not to dismiss the white-and-blue machines this weekend.
Testing, of course, is notorious for throwing up a whole netful of red herrings and, with most teams expected to introduce their final aero package on Friday morning in Melbourne, things could all changes again.
Toyota, however, remains optimistic that it can be in the midfield mix after veteran
Jarno Trulli topped the times at the final group test, the team having brought out its final developments at the Circuit de Catalunya.
"Testing has gone well with the new car, we have made good progress and we know the right direction to work in, so I am optimistic," the Italian comments, "This year's car is a big improvement. It is very different to the TF107 and we have a lot of potential to continue the improvement we have seen in testing. I am always excited by the start of a new season, but this year I am probably more motivated than ever."
Sadly, the battle at the back of the field appears set to contain
both Honda-powered teams, with
Honda having seemingly failed to build a better car for 2008 than it saddled itself with in 2007.
Jenson Button and
Rubens Barrichello have both shown commendable loyalty to the cause – although, in the Brazilian’s case, it was probably his only means of overhauling Riccardo Patrese’s record 256 race starts, which he should do in Montreal.
Ranged against the works team will be 'customer' (use the word advisedly)
Super Aguri F1, which appears to have made the season by the skin of its teeth.
