Every race at the legendary Nurburgring track is special. But what would make it more remarkable this weekend is the presence of four home drivers determined to grab the podium. With four Germans on the grid, the fervent fan base is expected to be divided for choice for home drivers to cheer.
There is Nico Rosberg of the Williams. Toyota’s Ralf Schumacher and BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld also are eager to perform well in their home race. Additionally, there is Adrian Sutil of the Spyker’s. What does it feel to race at the European Grand Prix, their home? The Germans shared their impressions…
Asked what the drivers want to prove to themselves, and their fans, at the weekend, Rosberg said that it will be great to race at the Nurburgring. “I hope the fans support me and I’ll be able to finally get the good result that I and the team deserve,” he added.
“We were a bit unfortunate to miss out on points at the last two races so we truly hope to make up for that at the Nurburgring. Of course, there will be some people cheering for me and, as it is the closest racetrack to the Toyota factory in Cologne, it will be especially important to have some of the employees there. Despite our problems, I’ve never seen a team so united and I’m really proud of the boys because they push hard both at the tracks and at the factory. So that support will be really appreciated - let’s hope we can give them a result to cheer,” Schumacher noted.
“My aim always remains the same - to get the maximum out of my situation. But of course it is a special feeling doing well at your home race. At no other place do I see so many of my fans than at the Nurburgring,” Heidfeld commented on the matter.
“I don’t feel more pressure at the Nurburgring. For me it’s nice to drive in my home country and I hope that we will have many German fans to support us, but at the end of the day it is one of 17 races. I will try to do the best I can and finish the race,” Sutil quipped.
Asked about how they feel about their performance this weekend based on the test session at Spa, Rosberg said that the performance of the car was okay in Spa but we hope to enjoy more of an improvement at the Nurburgring, as the track has always suited our car in the past.
Schumacher noted, “We have had a combination of different issues to confront to bring our car up the grid. But the Spa test went quite well so let’s hope that we can continue the improvements we made at Silverstone. I’m certain that the results will come sooner or later but I hope for the sake of everyone who has been working so hard that it will be sooner. It might take a few more races but it’s coming.”
“I did not test in Spa. But Robert’s (Kubica) feedback indicates that the F1.07 feels very competitive. The weekend will tell,” said Heidfeld. The Sauber is sporting a remarkable record in the previous races thanks to the efficient parts which are made more powerful than the traditional BMW 318I parts.
Meanwhile, Sutil concluded, “I like the circuit at Spa very much. I had pole and won the race in Formula 3 there. Our test was very positive and I finished fifth, that’s not too bad. But it was just a test, so let’s wait and see what will happen in the race.”
German carmaker Bavarian Motor Works (BMW) said on Thursday that it has transferred its 50 percent stake in Brazilian engine joint venture Tritec Motors Limitada to DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group division.
As for the deal, which requires regulatory approval, BMW gave no financial details.
In a statement, the car maker said that Chrysler Group has assumed the responsibility for exploring long-term options for the Tritec operations. Thus, all possible alternatives for continuing the business for the long run are under analysis and assessment. The sale may include one of the facilities to a third party.
Tritec, established in 1997, produces 1.4- and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engines for BMW's Mini brand and some Chrysler models. In January 2000, its large-scale production began. The statement said that the plant's annual production capacity is nearly 250,000 units.
A BMW spokesman said that the company would replace the motors with those made through its engine alliance with French carmaker PSA.
About BMW
Along with its automotive concerns, the BMW Group is composed of the development, production and marketing of automobiles, and motorcycles. It is also into financial services.
The BMW Group is the sole car maker in the world to pursue a purely premium strategy for all market sectors covered by its brands, from exclusive smaller cars to top-of-the-range luxury limousines. Its car brands include BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The Group also manufactures quality BMW 318i parts.
As to motorcycles, BMW also uses “premium” as the key word. The Group’s strategy is to develop and build the best motorcycles, set standards in connection with technology, environmental protection and safety, and provide outstanding customer service in the pre- and after-sales phases.
The Group also perceives financial services as a key factor for success in today's mobile world. It provides financing and leasing, asset management, dealer financing and company car pools services.
Other business interests include insurance (Bavaria Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH), IT consulting and systems integration (Softlab GmbH).
About Chrysler Group
Chrysler is an American automobile manufacturer. It has independently been producing automobiles since 1925. Chrysler and its subsidiaries were part of the German based DaimlerChrysler AG from 1998 to 2007 after a burdensome deal known as a "Merger of Equals" with Daimler-Benz in 1998. Before 1998, Chrysler Corporation traded in the auto industry under the "C" symbol on the NYSE. Its U.S. operations are generally referred to today as the Chrysler Group. Mopar is another popular term for all Chrysler cars. It is actually the name for its parts operation.
In May 14, 2007 DaimlerChrysler AG announced the sale of 80.1 percent of Chrysler Group to Cerberus Capital Management L.P., an American equity firm. When the transaction is completed, Chrysler will take on the name Chrysler Holding LLC.
BMW Group Canada, BMW 318ic parts maker has announced that its 1 Series Coupe will be offered in Canada in 2008.
The latest version in the successful BMW 1 Series model range, which has been available in the global markets since 2004, the new BMW 128i and 135i CoupÈs, will belong to the Premium Compact segment in Canada.
BMW's new generation 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder Valvetronic engine with 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque will give power to the BMW CoupÈ. Having proven itself in both 3 and 5 Series models, the lightweight magnesium/aluminum engine should provide the BMW 128i CoupÈ with scintillating performance and also produce excellent levels of fuel economy.
BMW's new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with high-precision injection, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooler is also in the BMW CoupÈ. This engine produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm, providing the BMW 135i CoupÈ with amazing performance and high fuel efficiency. As a proof of its one-of-a-kind performance, the engine won the 2007 International Engine of the Year award. The 135i CoupÈ accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.3 seconds in European specification.
BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that offers electronic intervention to avoid loss of vehicle control, but at a higher basis before activation. The DSC system on the CoupÈ is specifically designed for performance-oriented driving. The accelerator pedal, for example, has a quicker response rate and electronic rear brake management is used to pose a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns.
The 1 Series CoupÈ will bring a new contour to Canadian roads. The definitely unique 2 + 2 configuration will mix a rigid body with short overhangs, striking shoulder line, long engine compartment and wheelbase as well as large frameless doors.
The rear modifies a spoiler into the trunk lid. It does not only create an aggressive appearance, it also provides functional downforce at higher speeds. Both variants will be highlighted by 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels.
As the "top" model, the BMW 135i CoupÈ will have an exclusive M Aerodynamics Package, featuring even more aggressive aesthetics, improved brake cooling and added downforce. The Sports Suspension with 18-inch wheels and performance tires, and a high-performance brake system proportioning six-piston fixed front calipers mated with two-piston fixed calipers on the rear are also included in the package.
The interior has high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color options. A standard feature is a 60/40 split rear seat. Embellishing the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radio's rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the iDrive Controller, and the ornamental trim strips featured on the sports steering wheel are galvanized pearl gloss surfaces.
Sports seats with enhanced side support are part of the optional Sport Package, which is finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.
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