Summary: Heidfeld saves BMW’s weekend

After Kubica’s retirement due to an oil leak, it was Nick Heidfeld who saved BMW from scoring zero points and a disastrous weekend. A fine 7th place, following Lewis Hamilton’s accident, delighted the German driver and his team. Robert Kubica experienced a very difficult weekend in Italy, starting with qualifying where the Pole broke his engine. Then in the race, Kubica caused Mark Webber’s off-track incident and retirement, damaging his front wing. A few laps later, he was forced to retire.

It is in Singapore that the BMW team will want to shine, to save their season with a hoped-for podium.

Nick Heidfeld – 7th:

I’m really happy because, for me, it was a great race. Finishing 7th isn’t fantastic, but starting from 15th place, this position at the finish was the best I could do. The start itself wasn’t good at all, and I lost a lot of places. But afterward, I managed some great overtakes on Trulli and Fisichella. Once behind Vettel, I started saving fuel, and finally, it’s thanks to Lewis Hamilton’s accident that I was able to score one more point.

Robert Kubica – Abandon:

I got a very good start and was in quite a good position before the first braking. I was on the left side of Mark Webber, and I guess he didn’t see me at all. Mark pushed me onto the grass, and when I came back onto the track, we touched in the corner, and I couldn’t avoid him. I ended up with a damaged wing, but I was able to continue the race. For safety reasons, I had to change the wing, and finally, an oil leak forced me to retire.

Mario Theissen – Director of BMW Motorsport :

« It was a difficult race with a dramatic end for Lewis Hamilton. After the bad luck in qualifying, Nick achieved a good result by moving up from 15th to 7th place. Robert was less fortunate and had to retire due to an oil leak. However, we are looking forward to the next race in Singapore with a big development program. »