Summary – BMW’s race ruined by two accidents!

The weekend for BMW-Sauber could have been a dream, could have only… Because fate had other plans and in the end, no points were scored after this first race of the year.

Nick Heidfeld suffered the consequences of the traditional first-corner collisions, which affected his entire race. Worse, Robert Kubica was on the podium before Vettel showed a little too much opposition three laps from the finish. The two drivers collided, and everything fell apart. However, BMW-Sauber has shown that they are among the top teams at the start of this season.

Nick Heidfeld – 10th (finished 11th):

« Today, the outcome of the race is very disappointing for me. I had a good start by immediately gaining positions. My strategy was also promising. Then, in the braking zone of the first corner, I felt stuck. I was in the middle of the track, but suddenly I heard a dreadful noise… »

« I had to go through the pits to change my tires and front wing, but the damage to the car was much more significant than that. I think the KERS helped me defend my position with such a slow car. But in the end, it doesn’t matter because finishing 10th or 12th is the same thing. »

Robert Kubica – Retirement:

What a disappointment! I had a chance to win this race because Jenson Button and Sebastian Vettel were on soft tires that were degrading very quickly. I was much faster. Sebastian didn’t want to let me pass and he hit me. My front wing was under the car, so I stopped at turn 5.

« I think Sebastian was a bit too optimistic. If it had been the last corner, okay, but there were still three laps to go and he had no chance of defending his position because I was much faster. We both had a great weekend so far and we leave Melbourne with nothing. It’s a real shame! My car was very efficient, especially in the second stint, but that’s racing!

Mario Theissen – Director of BMW Motorsport‍

As often in the past, the Melbourne race ended with many twists and turns. Nick witnessed this from the first corner. After a collision, his aerodynamics were seriously affected, and he couldn’t catch up.

« Robert had an excellent race. He had difficulties with his soft tires like everyone else, but afterwards on the hard tires, he had a chance to catch up to the two cars in front of him to win the race. His accident, three laps before the checkered flag, ruined his race for him but also for Sebastian Vettel. Both drivers were deprived of the podium and points. On the positive side, I can say that today, we were very fast.