Feb.14 (GMM) BMW Sauber has hit a speed-bump because of the "risk" required to make the final step to taking on F1's big two teams Ferrari and McLaren.



That is the explanation of Nick Heidfeld, who recently broke the news that the German team's new single seater, the F1.08, had not been born with the same ease as its impressive 2007 predecessor.



"To make that last step to catch up with Ferrari and McLaren requires a lot of risk," the 30-year-old told the German sports magazine Sport Bild.



"In the design of our new car, we have explored the limits," he said, "because if you want to win, that is what you need to do."



Hinwil based BMW Sauber was hoping to join the hunt for race victories this year, but instead Heidfeld reports that the 2008 pre-season is a "very close" battle involving several teams behind the top two.



Heidfeld said the problems encountered by BMW with its 2008 car have been a combination of aerodynamic and mechanical factors, resulting in him having to "change my driving style".



"But I am sure that during the course of the year we will get closer to Ferrari and McLaren," he said.



"The season is not yet lost; not at all."