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ePaper created 2012-06-20, 16:50:32 | version 1.23.6
Title Issue Two 2008 7 Photo:BMWAG Victory in a Formula 1 Grand Prix naturally requires not only superior speed. Constant reliability is at least just as crucial. This point is the Achilles’ heel of many race teams. In addition to excellent technology as the basic requirement, a practised race team is also essential for success. Formula 1 Champion Michael Schumacher once said that in addition to driving skills and technical understanding, he owed his victories above all to the fact that he had been able to motivate his race mechanics and inspire them to produce outstanding performances. It was typical for the record World Cup champion to eat his pasta in the company of his mechanics. In the struggle for hundredths of seconds, the man is still the measure of all things, he decides the outcome of the race for the pole position and the place on the victor’s rostrum. But is it just the man? The main show- place during the race itself is the course, but victory or defeat is almost always decided by the right pit-stop strategy, the striving for perfection of the race mechanics and technicians, and not least the question of whether the material will hold out. Team spirit is what is required here. A few hours of racing comes as the climax of weeks of testing, which shows up how well the technical development, the team management and the drivers have been able to work together. Everything and every- one is put to the test, because the reality of racing knows no favourites –design errors and quality faults in the technology, less-than-perfect co- ordination and human weaknesses are immediately brought to light. The pit battle While the fans follow the battle between the racing cars on the circuit, the final verdict is often decided in the pit lane. This is where reliable technology, forward-looking strategy and an experienced team are required. Race driver Andy Priaulx impressively presents his vehicle in the reconstructed pit lane of the “BMW Sauber F1 Team Pit Lane Park”.