Review – BMW-Sauber reconnects with the podium

BMW-Sauber had been waiting for this for a few races: A podium! As is very often the case, it was the Pole Robert Kubica who achieved it with a fine third place. This result, combined with Räikkönen’s retirement, revives him in the standings and puts him two points behind the Finn.

Heidfeld misses the 8th place and the points at the Valencia circuit and suffers once again from his tires. In the constructor standings, the German team remains in ambush at the 3rd place, still 17 points behind McLaren.

Robert Kubica – 3rd:

« I started the race well but in the first corner, I went over the curb to avoid Hamilton. In the second corner, I was going to overtake him but I saw Felipe Massa brake very early. The risk of a collision was too high. Then, afterward, I was slower than Lewis Hamilton. »

« Suddenly, I saw a white plastic bag flying across the track, but I couldn’t avoid it, and it went under the car. In the end, there was no impact on the race overall. At the end of it, I finished in third place. I believe my result in qualifying yesterday was crucial for today’s outcome. »

Nick Heidfeld – 9th:

« It was one of my worst races where I finished ninth. After qualifying, I was quite confident because we had put on a solid performance. But in the race, I had big issues with my tires. The situation only improved at the end with the Soft compounds. I lost a position after the start and the pace wasn’t there. »

Mario Theissen – BMW Motorsport Director:

« First of all, a big congratulations to the event organizers. The atmosphere in the city and on this circuit is simply fantastic. From now on, Valencia will be one of the highlights of the season. We are thrilled to be back on the podium. This is the fifth for Robert Kubica this year. »

« At the start of the race, he had problems with a plastic bag that stuck to his car and hindered his performance. Apart from this issue, there is nothing to report. Starting from eighth place, Heidfeld was not in an ideal position. We hoped he would gain one or two places at the beginning, but in the heat, he actually lost a position. »