Nick Heidfeld (right) and Robert Kubica will again drive for BMW

BMW were second in the constructors championship last year, 103 points behind Ferrari, but only after McLaren had been stripped of all their points.

Speaking at the launch of their new F1.08 car, team boss Mario Theissen was optimistic for the coming season.

"We're confident we can turn the battle into more than two teams," he said.

"It will certainly be difficult (to win) because the two teams in front of us are the strongest and most experienced and will certainly do a big leap over the winter as well.

"We have made big process in the first two years and I am really confident we can do it again and close the gap."

Theissen added that he would be interested in a cap on F1 team budgets if it helped to narrow that gap.

606: DEBATE I'd be surprised if BMW get any wins in 2008 GordonMurray

"Cost reduction certainly is desirable, we support that, and the idea of a budget cap, I think at a first glance it looks quite attractive.

"We should at least spend some time on evaluating it, how it would work, what would be the cap, what would be included and how to police it.

"I would certainly prefer a budget cap over limitations in specific areas."

BMW are still awaiting their first F1 victory, but German driver Nick Heidfeld did finish second in Canada - the team's highest ever placing - and was third in Hungary.

Heidfeld and Polish team-mate Robert Kubica have again been confirmed to drive for the team in 2008, and Heidfeld is targeting victories.

"I'm sure that I can win races but it obviously depends on this car here," he said.

"In theory we should be able to close the gap further to the cars ahead of us and our clear goal this season is to win a race."

The new season gets underway in Australia on March 16.