BMW still in the title race

Mario Theissen has vowed to leave no stone unturned in a bid to keep BMW in the Formula One title hunt this season.

The dominant forces in Ferrari and McLaren have not had it all their own way during the first half of the campaign.

Although those two teams have made uncharacteristic mistakes, BMW motorsport boss Theissen has also seen his marque transformed into genuine Championship contenders.

However, as cream rises to the top, so Ferrari and McLaren appear to have discovered a step in performance in the last two races that has so far seemingly eluded BMW.

Ahead of their own home race in Germany at Hockenheim this weekend, Theissen knows BMW are lacking in pace, but is convinced they can continue to put up a fight.

"The nine races so far have brought us 82 points and seven podiums, and we have scored points on every occasion," remarked Theissen.

"All of which means we are in second place in the Constructors' Championship, 14 points behind Ferrari, but 10 ahead of McLaren Mercedes.

"The highlight of our season so far has, of course, been the one-two in Montreal.

"Fastest race lap, pole position, race victory - in all the categories where there was a zero next to our team in the statistics not so long ago, there is now a one.

"That has given everyone in our team even more confidence, and they can see we are on the right path.

"At the start of the year we set out to turn the two-horse race at the top of the standings into a three-way battle and to win our first race, and we have achieved this goal.

"Although two teams are still a touch faster than us when you look at the lap times, as far as the reliability and the work of the pit crew and race strategists are concerned, we are already a top team.

"We will now make every effort to keep our chances alive this year, while not neglecting the development of next season's car.

"That is a big challenge, especially given the radical rule changes due to come into force next year."

Despite Nick Heidfeld's distant runner-up finish to Lewis Hamilton in a wet British Grand Prix 10 days' ago, Theissen is hoping BMW can rediscover their previous form in front of their own fans.

"Although this is our home race, you can't afford to let that disturb your concentration," added Theissen.

"After all, we don't get any more points here just because it's our home GP.

"Three drivers are tied at the top of the Drivers' standings, while Robert (Kubica) is only two points behind them.

"Nick is not far away either, and his strong performance at Silverstone has given him an extra boost.

"You could not have written a better script for our home GP."

Rubens: The German podium may be within reach

Rubens Barrichello is not expecting a repeat of his maiden win at Hockenheim this weekend, but has not ruled out another podium to savour.

Back in 2000 Barrichello finally broke his victory duck, taking the chequered flag in the German Grand Prix at a time when he was with Ferrari.

Now with Honda, the odds on a triumph at the track on this occasion are exceptionally long, in particular if it is hot and dry.

But the forecast is for an unsettled weekend, and after his recent wet-weather heroics at the British Grand Prix, he could yet pull another surprise.

"It was fantastic to wake up on Monday after Silverstone and see the trophy," exclaimed Barrichello, who finished in the top three for the first time in three years.

"To step onto the podium again was an unexpected but deserved outcome to our British Grand Prix weekend and I was so pleased to have achieved the result for the team.

"However, we have to keep our focus and continue to improve the performance of the car as we are fully aware that our result at Silverstone was assisted by the wet conditions.

"With changeable weather this weekend, it can make for an exciting race and overtaking is possible, particularly under heavy braking."

Reflecting on his memories of his debut success, he added: "My first victory in Formula One came at Hockenheim back in 2000, so this circuit is very special to me.

"The layout changes mean it is a different venue now from the track that I used to enjoy so much, however, it's still a good circuit."

Honda boss Ross Brawn has conceded Barrichello's performance, and the team's first podium this season was "a big morale boost."

But he maintains realism has not been lost as he said: "Silverstone gave us the opportunity to combine driver experience and team performance to achieve a very well deserved podium finish.

"The team worked extremely well throughout the race to take advantage of the opportunities which opened up, aided by an excellent drive and outstanding tyre feedback from Rubens.

"Our first podium of the season was, of course, a big morale boost, however, it would be unrealistic to expect a repeat of this result in dry track conditions.

"But with changeable weather predicted for the weekend, as Rubens has mentioned, it could be an interesting race.

"Following the test at Hockenheim last week, we will be introducing the next step of aerodynamic, mechanical and engine performance upgrades for the car.

"The test allowed our engineers to gain a better understanding of our recent lack of qualifying pace, so we will be aiming for an improvement on our grid positions as the foundation for a strong race performance."