BMW-Sauber Assessment – Points but No Podiums, a First!
The BMW-Sauber team started the race as championship leader but knew very well that this position would no longer be theirs about 1 hour and 30 minutes later. Indeed, the German team let Ferrari pull ahead by delivering a slightly more disappointing race than usual. As evidence, no podium and only the 5 points from […]
The BMW-Sauber team started the race as championship leader but knew very well that this position would no longer be theirs about 1 hour and 30 minutes later. Indeed, the German team let Ferrari pull ahead by delivering a slightly more disappointing race than usual.
As evidence, no podium and only the 5 points from Robert Kubica’s 4th place, who was still in the rhythm of the top three. Heidfeld reached the edge of the points after a penalty that ruined his race. He was, according to the team, forced to stop for refueling, but at the same time, the safety car was deployed due to Kovalainen’s accident.
Robert Kubica – 4th:
« Today we had a very good race pace. Unfortunately, I lost a position at the start. Nonetheless, at the checkered flag, our gap with the leaders was only five seconds. »
« If someone had told me this yesterday, I wouldn’t have believed it. I hope Heikki Kovalainen is okay. When I passed by the accident site, the car was in a strange position. The FIA makes great efforts in terms of single-seater safety. Therefore, we owe the organization all our gratitude. »
Nick Heidfeld – 9th:
« At the start, I managed to gain the two positions I wanted to gain. It’s very positive at that level. Then, I was unlucky since I stopped at the pits to make my stop and the safety car intervened. All stops are prohibited during its presence on the track. »
« So I tried to save as much fuel as possible and delay my stop but in the end, it was either run out of fuel or get a penalty. »
Mario Theissen – BMW Motorsport Director:
« First of all, we are all relieved to see that after his accident, Heikki Kovalainen was doing quite well. Robert Kubica lost a position at the start but was very close to Lewis Hamilton at the first corner. He was almost as close to Hamilton when he crossed the finish line. »
« In the case of Nick Heidfeld, the safety car ruined our strategy. We were forced to stop him, and we received a 10-second penalty. »
« Regarding the team, we scored fewer points than usual, but we delivered good performances throughout the weekend without technical issues. »
