New Delhi: Record lap times could be set at next week's showcase Monaco Grand Prix despite Formula One's switch from V10 engines to less powerful V8s, according to BMW boss Mario Theissen.
"Raw power doesn't get you very far on this tight and twisty course," he said in a team preview on Friday. "It's good engine driveability that makes the difference."
"The nigh-on 200 bhp performance gap between the 3.0-litre V10 engines in 2005 and this year's 2.4-litre V8 will be less visible at Monaco than anywhere else."
"Qualifying in Barcelona (for last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix) was the first time a car had set a faster lap time than last year. Similarly, I wouldn't be surprised to see a new lap record this year in Monaco."
Ferrari's Michael Schumacher set the Monaco race lap record of one minute 14.439 seconds in 2004. The seven times world champion also set the fastest lap last year of 1:15.842.
BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld finished second in Monaco last year with Williams, when they were powered by BMW, and will have a fresh engine for the race after using his last one for the mandatory two grands prix in a row.
The race in the Mediterranean principality is the seventh round of the season, with champions Renault winning four races so far and Schumacher two for Ferrari. The street circuit has the lowest top speeds of any race on the calendar.
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