Morning Reads: 3 July 2007

[mika]

Today’s Birthdays / Calendar

Motorcycle News:

Bikes in the Fast Lane
World Ducati Week 2007

motorhistory.net
Ed Youngblood’s news and view

Now a biker specific search engine –
thebikerweb.com
BikerSeek Goes Public

motorbyte.com/mmm
The Redneck Files – Stress Test

brainbucketmag.com
More and more insurance companies are welcoming the biker bucks.

infromotori.co.uk
Ape Calessino

It seems the Chinese will make a knock-off of just about anything

Via: moto22.com

Moto made in China... ??moto?

Although the Chinese is not my fort, luckyly we have photos to analyze the earthenware vessel that they send to us from MT668.net. Considering that moto would be something with two wheels, since with three trike and with four is called to him quad (and it is left the debate there of if they are motos or not). The question is that in the photos it is seen what it sees, and would be perfect to begin a section of motodolor of the style to which it gives every Motorpasi??n Sunday to us. What happens is that it is to be very cruel with some of you… By the way, it could not assure that this has been made in China, if somebody can clarify it, very would be thanked for.

Spanish – English translation by Google Translator


oliepeil.nl has an interesting site that appears to be the blog of a rider attempting a passage from Noordkapp Norway to Murmansk Russia with a sidecar rig. Dutch – English translation by Dictionary.com. The paragraph contains links to the source site.

Noordkapp – Murmansk
The MIileu, everyone have there its mouth of full, especially the government. Therefore we but cough up. But yes, that clean technique must come nevertheless also somewhere from. Our friend Jan Dirk disorder puts everything once from own experience in a complete different perspective
horizon-taal.nl


Other News:

ft.com
McDonald’s to power trucks with cooking oil

theaustralian.new.com.au
Honda Revs up to make jet aircraft in US

Feature:

On the heals of the announcement of another 10 Best for the BMW K1200GT, Motorcycle Daily takes a 2008 Kawasaki Concours 14 and gives part of its impression of the GT’s revised competitor in First Ride: Part One

When your done with that see what they think of it across the pond at MotoCycle News


Blog Update:

A Boy and His Bike

Canyonchasers News

Faster and Faster

GoBackpacking

Headlines from our Favorite Biker Blogs

Hunting the Snark

Jangle Jangle

k’telontour.com

mindless personal drivel

MotoLiam

Motorcycle Misadventures

Motorcyclist At Large

On the Road Again

pitted chrome

Ride it like you stole it!

The Combat Commuter

The Great Motorcycle Pizza Tour

Vagabondish

Wooley’s Rant

World of Max

WorldRider: Journey of Adventure & Discovery


Riding Skills:

mtorbyte.com/mmm
A Rider State of Mind


Wonderings:

totalmotocycle.com has posted its Third Total Motorcycle Fuel Economy Guide. The link is to the BMW section. I wonder if there would be value in setting up some sort of guide like this on the forum. We have recurring threads that ask mileage questions. We respond with antidotal information. I am wondering if one of you could come up with a way to develop a table that would give a more empirical information when people wonder about mileage.


M.R. Traveler

Bikes in the Fast Lane
Finding out the traffic situation in France
Real time traffic updates for travelers

Weather

West Bend WI
Current

10 Day Forcast

United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada


Today’s RoadFood.com

Woot

Todays Woot

The Blog

Over Heard in New York | Voice of the City


All things BMW: Page 2


Morning Reads: RALLY PAGES

A resource of information and links to information for use at the 2007 Rally

RALLY PAGES

What do you need to know to go to the rally…

SHIPPING TO THE INT'L RALLY
How do I ship my gear to the Rally?
Packages will not be accepted before July 2.
Send your shipments to:
YOUR NAME, C/O BMW Rally, Washington County Fair Park, 3000 Hwy PV, West Bend, WI 53095

The 35th BMWMOA International Rally Home Page
With links to:
Lodging
Volunteer
Rally Forum
FAQs
Secure Services

Rally Schedule

Entertainment Schedule

Track Day in Wisconsin, July 13

Event Registration

Link to registration form

BMW MOA Foundation Rally Classes – 2007

WISCONSIN

Trails.com: Best Scenic Drives in Wisconsin

WisconsinMotorcycling.com

TravelWisconsin.com : Maps and Guides - Who doesn't love a free map or travel brochure? Take your pick below. You can download them for instant fulfillment. Or have us mail honest-to-goodness printed versions right to your door.

State of Wisconsin Portal

TravelWisconsin.com the official state tourism site.

Washington County home page

West Bend home page and FAQ

Washington County Fair Park

Free Travel Maps & Guides

DOT – Wisconsin – Maps – A variety of online maps and resources. Bicycle maps, detailed county (check out the double letter roads!), rest areas, main trunk highways, truck routs, work zones and map ordering sources.

Rustic Roads

Rustic Roads program goals
to identify and preserve in a natural and essentially undisturbed condition certain designated roads having unusual or outstanding natural beauty, by virtue of native vegetation along with natural or man-made features associated with the road

to provide a linear park-like system for vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian travel for quiet and leisurely enjoyment by local residents and the general public alike

to maintain and administer these roads to provide safe public travel, yet preserve the rustic and scenic qualities through use of appropriate maintenance and design standards, and encouragement of zoning for land use compatibility, utility regulations and billboard control

DNR.state.WI – Wisconsin State Park System
Admission sticker information and fees

Online Travel Center - The Travel Center is a collection of interactive maps that display important and timely information to assist travelers in making choices for safe and enjoyable trips through Wisconsin.

Milwaukee-area current travel information

Wisconsin State Patorl office locations

Southeast Region
Wisconsin State Patrol Waukesha Post
Captain Varla J. Bishop, Commander
Lieutenant Theodore J. Meagher, Executive Officer
21115 East Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53186-2985
Phone: (262) 785-4700
Fax: (262) 785-4723
Waukesha Post counties:
Serves Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha

Custard Stand List of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Artisan Dairy Association

Wisconsin Winery Association

Wisconsin Cheese and Dairy Product Information

Wisconsin Attractions – Lighthouses

The Yellowstone Trail – Wisconsin

Wisconsin Sport Bike Roads

The Mustard Museum of Mount Horeb

Wisconsin Brewpubs and Micro Breweries


Weather
West Bend WI
Current

10 Day Forcast

United States
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Canada
Meteorological Service of Canada


Travel Information – Driving Conditions and other related information sites.


Bike Candy

THE END

 

[mika]

All things BMW: Page 2

World of BMW news

The final countdown.

With less than a week to go until the start of this year's BMW Motorrad Days, and so many new additions to the programme, we thought we'd better bring you right up-to-date on everything that's happening throughout the weekend, who and what to look out for, and where to find exactly what you want to see.

BMW Group Press Club:

BMW Group Press Club:

Tracking the news from BMW at their English language sites and Germany

PressClub USA

THE NEW BMW 1 SERIES COUPE: BMW's 128i and 135i Coupes Come to America in 2008

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - June 30, 2007, 6PM EDT... BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. The next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe, represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.
On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contructionÔÇöcore elements of BMWÔÇÖs EfficientDynamics. The powerful 135i Coupe features BMWÔÇÖs twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output.

Handsome looks with sporting intentions
The new 1 Series Coupe combines unique, dynamic and unmistakable design elements with a powerful and muscular body. The greenhouse with its characteristic ÔÇ£Hofmeister kinkÔÇØ is moved rearward and offers a particularly nimble look with its long hood. The short overhangs, long wheelbase and large frameless doors sit on a body with a striking shoulder line for a modern interpretation of BMWÔÇÖs characteristic look. On the 135i Coupe, an M Aerodynamic Kit is standard.

The 1 Series boasts aggressive rear end styling. The trunklid has an integrated spoiler chiselled into the rear end of the car to accentuate the short rear section. On the 135i, an additional lip spoiler provides greater downforce on the rear end at high speeds.

The individual sections within the L-shaped rear taillights give the vehicle a lower, sportier look. Horizontal lights integrated in the rear light clusters offer a homogeneous lighting effect with the help of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This light design, as found on other BMW models, makes the BMW 1 Series Coupe stand out at night. Also, the Adaptive Brakelights operating in two stages in relation to brake application force are yet another feature typical of BMW, with the additional benefit of extra safety on the road.

The standard Adaptive Xenon headlights (optional on the 128i) complete with integrated Cornering Lights make driving in the dark safer than ever. The daytime headlight function in typical BMW style with two corona rings on each headlight unit enhances the perception of the car under normal and ÔÇ£murkyÔÇØ light conditions.

Luxurious interior appointments with todayÔÇÖs technology
The innovative interior design incorporates high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color choices. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The control console for the entertainment and air conditioning functions is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The controller featured in the iDrive system with the optional Navigation system is integrated in the center console, again following BMWÔÇÖs characteristic philosophy. Galvanized pearl gloss surfaces adorn the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radioÔÇÖs rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the iDrive Controller, and the ornamental trim strips featured on the sports steering wheel.

The BMW 1 Series Coupe is available with a choice of two upholstery optionsÔÇösporty and comfortable Leatherette or rich Boston Leather. Boston Leather upholstery adds further style to the high-quality impression of the interior. And as a practical feature, map pockets are integrated in the lower part of the doors. The optional Sport Package includes sports buckets seats with enhanced side support and are finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather.

Enhanced iDrive and integration of an external MP3 player
BMWÔÇÖs iDrive is included with the optional navigation system. It enables the driver to control all secondary and comfort functions such as communication, air conditioning, entertainment and navigation functions easily and conveniently.

This latest version of iDrive is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys that allow the driver to program functions that are used particularly often such as navigation destinations, radio stations or specific telephone numbers. Touch-sensative sensors on these buttons preview the function on the iDrive screen before the button is depressed. This allows the driver to choose the stored function safely and conveniently, keeping his or her eyes on the road in the process.

A wide choice of audio and communication are also available, never before seen in the compact performance market. These features include SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound system and Bluetooth interface. For simple and straightforward connection of an MP3 player, an Auxiliary input jack is standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player is available as an option.

High-tech suspension with newly-developed differential
In typical BMW style, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe transmits the power of the engine to the rear wheels. This design concept and configuration ÔÇô engine at the front, drive wheels at the rear ÔÇô guarantees optimum traction, good weight distribution front-to-rear, excellent directional stability, and predictable handling.

The new 1 Series Coupe has a sophisticated suspension system with an aluminium double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. BMWÔÇÖs Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. This allows the driver to experience more spirited driving on dry roads and offers more flexibility when driving in more challenging conditions such as in the snow. If the driver desires, both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely. Active Steering, a variable ratio steering system exclusive to BMW, is available as an option. The DSC system on the 135i Coupe is designed specifically for performance-oriented driving. For instance, the accelerator pedal has a quicker response rate and electronic rear brake management is used to simulate a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns.

The rear differential on the 1 Series comes from a new generation of final drives optimized for running smoothness. Featuring double-helical ball bearings for the first time, the differential runs at an even lower operating temperature reached more quickly than before thanks to the reduction of fluid required in the differential.

The front suspension on the BMW 1 Series is also built to a standard quite unique to its competitive group. The double-pivot spring and strut front suspension with its anti-roll bar, is made largely of aluminium and offers an optimum combination of stiffness and low weight. The very stable track control arms and thrust rods, as well as exact wheel guidance, make an important contribution to the carÔÇÖs driving dynamics.

High safety standards exceed international requirements
No less than six airbags come standard within the new BMW 1 Series Coupe for optimum protection of the carÔÇÖs occupants. The advanced frontal airbags are activated in stages in relation to impact severity while the side airbags integrated into the sides of the front seat backrests reduce the risk of injury at chest and hip levels in side impact situations. HPS (Head Protection System) side curtain airbags fitted in the roof lining protect both the occupants on the front seats and the passengers at the rear. The new BMW 1 Series Coupe also comes with crash-optimized seats with specially padded headrests and backrests significantly reducing the risk of injury in an impact from the rear.

All seats within the 1 Series Coupe are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and headrests, with the front seat belts fastened on the frames of the driverÔÇÖs and front passengerÔÇÖs seats, keeping the belt in an optimum position around the occupantÔÇÖs hips regardless of seat height or for-aft seat adjustment.

Also, the driverÔÇÖs pedals move back automatically with a predetermined amount of deformation in the event of a frontal collision so that the risk of driver foot injury is reduced. And last but not least, the rear seats come standard with LATCH attachments for child seats.

M-inspired performance for the 135i Coupe
The 135i Coupe offers more performance and a striking look thanks to M-inspired components. Features include an Aero kit for additional downforce at speed, better brake cooling and enhanced aesthetics while the Sports Suspension offers higher traction and reduced body roll with 18-inch wheels and performance tires. The Sports Suspension also includes with a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM:
Providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind
The BMW 1 Series Coupe will feature BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW AssistTM with TeleService is part of the optional Premium Package or can be ordered separately as a stand-along option.

BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes:
The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industryÔÇÖs most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2008 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMWÔÇÖs excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:
ÔÇó New-vehicle warranty ÔÇô 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.
ÔÇó Rust-perforation warranty ÔÇô 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.

BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. It is a part of the optional Premium package and can also be ordered separately as a stand-alone option. BMW is the only vehicle manufacturer that offers this service for 4 years at no additional cost. Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW AssistTM includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW AssistTM system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW AssistTM Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. A severe accident automatically activates the BMW AssistTM call as well. The BMW AssistTM Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.

TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW AssistTM subscribers can also enroll in the BMW AssistTM Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves to many BMW AssistTM Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. A selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the on-board navigation system and Bluetooth?«ÔÇôlinked mobile phone, after a push of the new Concierge button. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged. After pushing the SOS button, a BMW AssistTM response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year.

As before, the BMW AssistTM system includes Bluetooth?« hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth?« mobile phone.

Performance with a conscience
BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.

 

[mika]

Motorsports PressClub

BMW Sauber F1 Team - British Grand Prix ÔÇô Preview

British Grand Prix.
6th - 8th July 2007
9th of 17 Championship Rounds


Preview.

Munich/Hinwil, 1st July 2007. "Welcome to Silverstone - The Home of British Motor Racing" is written in huge letters at the main gate of the circuit where the British Grand Prix is going to be held on 8th July. Without doubt the Northamptonshire track is a classic on the Formula One calendar. There the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers, Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, want to hunt for points just seven days after the French Grand Prix.

The traditional Silverstone circuit provides an ideal setting for the BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park. The high-tech theme park offers Formula One fans not only the chance to look at but also to touch their sport. Entry to the huge area behind the Becketts grandstand is free. The programme ranges from spectacular show drives to first hand experiences, such as changing wheels at a pit stop or competing on a race simulator. Nigel Mansell plans to make the first run of the Formula One car on Friday. Another British Grand Prix winner, Johnny Herbert, will then take over driving duties from the former World Champion on Saturday, followed on Sunday by Sebastian Vettel, who celebrates his 20th birthday on the 3rd July.


Nick Heidfeld:
"I especially like the crowd in England because they are just true racing fans. They are very well informed and were also enthusiastic in the years when they did not have a home grown front runner. Of course with Lewis Hamilton the interest will increase a lot for this year's race, but the atmosphere has always been good. During the test I found the circuit extraordinarily bumpy, and apparently other drivers thought the same. The English weather can also add to the excitement. The sequence of the corners at Becketts is very fast and very special. For Silverstone it is especially important to have a good aero package for the fast corners."


Robert Kubica:
"Silverstone, I think, will be a good weekend for us. I hope so. Last year we were quite strong. I like the track as it is very challenging. Very quick, especially the first sector. Last year it was quite low grip there. I missed the test session this year, so it will be interesting to see how it is on Bridgestone tyres. The British weather is well known all over the world for not being very good. However, every time I have been at Silverstone for the race I have had a really sunny weekend, so let's hope it will be nice weather again. It is nice to be there because I like the style of the track and British people enjoy motor racing. It is not the newest one, but I like the whole atmosphere that surrounds it and you feel there is a lot of motorsport history at the circuit."



Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
"At the mid point of the season, Formula One is restless. After the back-to-back races in North America and a test session in Silverstone, we are now in the middle of the next double header in Europe. Just one week after the French Grand Prix we have the next race on Sunday in Great Britain. Four races within five weeks mean an enormous work load for everybody in the team. Hats off to the team - I have to say.

"We used the recent test in Silverstone to focus on race preparation fort this track. Now the first half of the season is almost over and up to now we can be more than happy with our achievements. We want to continue in this way and also improve.

"Britain is the only market for the BMW Group which has production facilities for all three of the Group's brands. The MINI is built in Oxford, Rolls-Royce cars in Goodwood and BMW car engines in Hams Hall. Great Britain is the third-largest market for the BMW Group after the USA and Germany."


Willy Rampf, Technical Director:
"Silverstone is renowned for its many medium and fast corners, where drivers have to carry as much speed as possible into the straights. In the infield there are also some very slow corners. Silverstone is a very challenging circuit.

"Maggots-Becketts-Chapel is perhaps one of the finest combinations in
the entire F1 calendar. To set a fast lap time here you need a car with an excellent aerodynamic balance. The track surface is pretty rough and, together with the high cornering speeds, this puts a lot of stress on the tyres. Accordingly the tyre compounds are relatively hard."

History and background:
Silverstone is located about half way between Birmingham to the North and Oxford to the South. Originally the land was a military airbase in World War II. It was on the 2nd of October in 1948 that the first car race took place there. This year's Grand Prix is the 41st on the Northamptonshire track. Also British GPs were held in Aintree (five) and Brands Hatch (twelve). Great Britain also hosted three European GP - 1983 and 1985 at Brands Hatch and 1993 at Donington Park.

BMW Sauber F1 Team - French Grand Prix ÔÇô Race Review

French Grand Prix - Race, Sunday - 01.07.07
Weather: Rain in the morning but dry for the race, 24-26??C Air, 34-42??C Track

Magny-Cours (FRA). The BMW Sauber F1 Team leaves the French Grand Prix in Magny-Cours with the greatest number of points scored in a single race in its history thanks to Robert Kubica finishing fourth and Nick Heidfeld fifth. These nine points have strengthened the team's third place in the constructors' championship, and Nick Heidfeld's total of 30 points is two more than he scored in his best ever season (2005).

Robert Kubica: 4th
BMW Sauber F1.07-03/BMW P86/7
Fastest Lap: 1.17.153 min on lap 44 (10th fastest overall)
"This was a good race for the team with us finishing fourth and fifth, and it has been a very good weekend for me. It was a very quiet race. I made quite a good start but we were on the dirty side with Lewis Hamilton, so had no chance to overtake. After that I was close to him just once when he was coming out of the pits and we had a short fight, but he had new tyres, braked later into the hairpin and overtook me again. The last 20 laps were about bringing the car home for a good result for the team, as Lewis was a long way in front and Nick behind. The car was very good, physically I am a hundred per cent and mentally too, and I could do another race now."

Nick Heidfeld: 5th
BMW Sauber F1.07-05/BMW P86/7
Fastest Lap: 1.16.875 min on lap 70 (7th fastest overall)
"I am very happy with the result. It was a great race for us, and we scored valuable points. At the start both Renaults went to the middle of the track, I tried to overtake Giancarlo Fisichella on the right hand side, but he moved over, which was not correct. The fights with Fernando Alonso were a lot of fun and also useful for my result. At times I had to defend hard, but I think from both sides it was fair play. It was not easy to keep him behind me, especially as in the middle stint he was very fast with obviously a low fuel load. Ferrari was very strong here as we already saw at the last test. You should never discount Renault as they are the reigning champions."

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
"After mixed emotions at the overseas races, today our team was a hundred per cent back where it should be. Robert put in a very good performance on his comeback and took fourth place, which this year seems to belong to us! Nick improved from seventh on the grid to fifth overall and had some exciting fights with Fernando Alonso. We didn't only score nine points, which was our best team result so far, but we also strengthened our third place in the constructors' championship. Congratulations to the drivers, the team here at the track and those in Hinwil and Munich, as we had no technical problems during the race."

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):
"This was a fantastic race for our team. The pit stops were perfect, everything went according to plan and we had no problems at all. Both drivers in their races used the cars to their full potential and didn't make the smallest mistakes. Nick drove a very good race, although he was under pressure all the time. Robert's performance at his return to racing was excellent. With this result we can now go to Silverstone feeling optimistic."

 

[mika]

F1 Gallery

The umpalumpas at work.

Busy day for the umpalumpas

BMW Sauber F1 | Formula 1

Formula1.com : The official Formula 1 website

 

[PAULBACH]

Very Interesting History ...

An Indian Motorcycle made in Germany?

The Oddest Indian
http://www.motohistory.net/news.html

Mika, you find the most interesting stuff!