Mario Theissen has indicated that BMW is unlikely to look elsewhere to spearhead its challenge for world titles in the future.
The Swiss based team’s boss recently confessed an affection for Kimi Raikkonen, but he now clarifies that he thinks a potential drivers’ champion “is already a member of our team”.
“In 2008, we want to be able to win races,” Theissen said, “and in 2009 we want to have achieved the level of competitiveness that will allow us to battle for the world championship titles.”
It is well known that German Theissen, who is BMW’s motor sport director, thinks Polish rookie Robert Kubica is a star of the future.
Less certain is the fate of veteran Nick Heidfeld, whose contract requires an ‘option’ to be taken up by BMW at the end of 2007.
But Theissen told the German media: “Nick is a driver who most definitely has what is needed to win the title.”
Team founder and consultant Peter Sauber, meanwhile, said of the 29-year-old’s season opening performance in Australia: “He succeeded – just as expected – in shifting up a gear.”
