BMW hoping for continuation, Hamilton hoping for change in fortunes

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen said that they were surprised how well they were doing. After three of 19 season races, BMW are surprisingly leading the constructors' standings by a point from Ferrari. McLaren-Mercedes is a further point behind.

 "We are no longer the third team in the championship, we are one of the top three teams," Theissen said.

 BMW's Nick Heidfeld is currently second in the drivers' standing on 16 points, three behind Ferrari's defending champion Kimi Raikkonen, but says it is too early to say whether he can challenge for the title.

 It seems likely though that there will be some clarity after Sunday's Grand Prix as the race on the 4.655 kilometre-long circuit is considered as a good indicator of the strength of teams.

 Drivers and teams use the Circuit de Catalunya for tests and after a three week break following the Bahrain Grand Prix, they will be able to introduce some of their new developments.

 "I am looking forward to seeing whether we have managed to gain an advantage with our changes," Heidfeld said.

 McLaren-Mercedes' Norbert Haug said that the teams had more information about the track in Barcelona than about any other in the world. "We tested a lot and took a major step forward."

   Ferrari, however, has also used the three-week break to test and introduce minor changes. Championship leader Raikkonen is expecting the team to be strong.

 Another victory would allow the Finn to put some distance between him and the chasing pack, but McLaren's Hamilton has said that he will not make it easy for Ferrari.

 "Technically we are very good and the car runs very well on the course," the Briton, who finished a disappointing 13th in Bahrain, said.

By Elmar Dreher, dpa