BMW report – Mission accomplished for Kubica and Heidfeld

BMW achieved the best performance in its history this weekend in Malaysia. The German team secured second and sixth positions, earning 11 points in one Grand Prix.

The German-Swiss team is second in the championship, still ahead of Ferrari. A position they wish to maintain until the end of the 2008 season.

The single-seater F1.08 has been reliable and fast with impeccable drivers. The team leaders can attest to this.

Robert Kubica – 2nd:

It’s a fantastic day for the team, for me, and for Petronas – and it’s especially the second consecutive time we’ve secured a podium.

« Since Monza 2006, it’s my first podium: for that, I really want to thank the whole team who worked superbly. »

Initially, I was lucky fighting with Trulli and Heidfeld and managed to get through and gain the advantage. Then I was able to go at my own pace and even though I couldn’t keep up with the Ferraris, I created a good gap with the car behind me. After my second pit stop, I lowered my engine speed but the last 10 laps weren’t very easy, I was very tired with the high temperature and humidity… But in the end, our efforts paid off!

Nick Heidfeld – 6th:

« I experienced strong emotions today, especially the pride of having set my first fastest lap in a race today. The whole team worked hard, and we achieved our best result in F1 this weekend. We were almost at the same level as the McLarens! »

« It’s a very positive result but I’m disappointed to only take sixth place. At the start, I tried to take the outside to Trulli and Kubica but I couldn’t take advantage of it. I even ruined my tires, but I have a very good feeling when I overtook Alonso and Coulthard at the same time! »

Mario Theissen – Director of BMW Motorsport:

« It was another good performance for our team. Kubica stood out by securing second place. He achieved our second consecutive podium and helped us achieve our best result in F1 with 11 points in one go. That gives us 19 in the championship in just two races, we are very pleased, especially with the bonus of setting the fastest lap in the race! »

Willy Rampf – Technical Director:

This is the second time we’ve achieved a second-place finish in two Grand Prix. It’s a good result and I’m very happy with our start to the season, especially since Kubica was very fast. Only the Ferraris were able to overtake him.

Everything was once again decided at the start between Kubica and Heidfeld, but we had a good, reliable car, and I would really like to thank the factories in Hinwil and Munich. We are looking forward with great interest to the upcoming races of the season.